HeyRuaHow to say “oil” in Irish
- Irish:
- ola
- English:
- oil, unction
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UL-uh” /ˈolˠə/
- Plural:
- olaí (oils)
- Genitive singular:
- ola, na hola (e.g. praghas na hola, the price of oil)
- Genitive plural:
- olaí, na n-olaí (e.g. meascán na n-olaí, the mixture of the oils)
What does “ola” mean?
“Ola” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- oil
- A thick liquid that does not mix with water, used as fuel, for cooking or for lubricating machines.Also: petroleum, cooking oil, lubricant.
1 other meaning: unction
- 2unction
- Holy oil used in religious anointing, especially in the sacrament for the sick or dying.Also: anointing, holy oil, last rites.
“Ola” with the article
The plural of oil in Irish is olaí. Here is ola after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ola” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ola, the Irish word for oil.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Oil in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for oil?
The Irish for oil is ola (pronounced “UL-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is olaí. Depending on context it can also mean unction.
How do you pronounce ola in Irish?
Ola is said like “UL-uh” (IPA /ˈolˠə/).
What is the plural of oil in Irish?
The plural of ola is olaí; with the article, na holaí means “the oils”. The genitive plural is olaí, as in meascán na n-olaí (the mixture of the oils).
Does ola have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ola can mean oil or unction, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ola sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ola (the oil), a hola (her oil), a n-ola (their oil), na holaí (the oils).
What does 'an ola a chur ar dhuine' mean?
It means to anoint someone with the last rites, the sacrament of the sick, so 'cuireadh an ola air' means he received the last rites.
