HeyRuaHow to say “nestling” in Irish
- Irish:
- gearrcach
- English:
- nestling, infant
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYAR-kukh” /ˈɟaːɾˠkəx/
- Plural:
- gearrcaigh
- Genitive singular:
- gearrcaigh, an ghearrcaigh (e.g. cleití an ghearrcaigh, the nestling's feathers)
- Genitive plural:
- gearrcach, na ngearrcach (e.g. máthair na ngearrcach, the nestlings' mother)
What does “gearrcach” mean?
“Gearrcach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- nestling
- A young bird that is still in the nest and cannot yet fly.Also: fledgling, chick, young bird.
1 other meaning: infant
- 2infant
- A very young child, used figuratively or affectionately.Also: baby, small child.
“Gearrcach” with the article
The plural of nestling in Irish is gearrcaigh. Here is gearrcach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gearrcach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gearrcach, the Irish word for nestling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Nestling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for nestling?
The Irish for nestling is gearrcach (pronounced “GYAR-kukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gearrcaigh. Depending on context it can also mean infant.
How do you pronounce gearrcach in Irish?
Gearrcach is said like “GYAR-kukh” (IPA /ˈɟaːɾˠkəx/).
What is the plural of nestling in Irish?
The plural of gearrcach is gearrcaigh; with the article, it is na gearrcaigh. The genitive plural is gearrcach, as in máthair na ngearrcach (the nestlings' mother).
Does gearrcach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gearrcach can mean nestling or infant, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gearrcach change to ghearrcach or ngearrcach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gearrcach becomes mo ghearrcach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngearrcach (eclipsis).
What does the proverb with 'gearrcach' mean?
'Is geal leis an bhfiach dubh a ghearrcach féin' means the raven thinks its own nestling is white, that is, everyone thinks their own child is beautiful.
