HeyRuaHow to say “need” in Irish
- Irish:
- gá
- English:
- need
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gaw” /ɡɑː/
- Genitive singular:
- gá, an ghá (e.g. in am an ghá, in the time of need)
What does “gá” mean?
- need
- The state of requiring something, as in 'tá gá agam le' (I need) or 'is gá' (it is necessary).Also: necessity, requirement, want.
Other Irish words for need: riachtanas (need), teastáil (need), call (need)
“Gá” with the article
Here is gá after the article (an t-alt).
“Gá” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gá, the Irish word for need.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Need in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for need?
The Irish for need is gá (pronounced “gaw”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce gá in Irish?
Gá is said like “gaw” (IPA /ɡɑː/).
Does gá have a plural?
No plural form is given for gá in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does gá change to ghá or ngá?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gá becomes mo ghá (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngá (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I need something' with gá?
Use 'tá gá agam le': 'Tá gá agam le peann' means 'I need a pen'. For a verb, use 'is gá dom': 'Is gá dom imeacht' means 'I need to leave'.
What is the difference between gá and call?
Both express need, but 'call' often implies right or justification: 'níl call agat a bheith buartha' (you have no reason to worry), while 'gá' is the general word for necessity.
