HeyRuaHow to say “old woman” in Irish
- Irish:
- cailleach
- English:
- old woman, witch, nun, alcove
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAL-yukh” /ˈkalʲəx/
- Plural:
- cailleacha (old women)
- Genitive singular:
- caillí, na caillí (e.g. teach na caillí, the old woman's house)
- Genitive plural:
- cailleach, na gcailleach (e.g. scéalta na gcailleach, the stories of the witches)
What does “cailleach” mean?
“Cailleach” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- old woman
- An elderly woman; often used disparagingly, like 'hag'.Also: hag, crone, old dear.
3 other meanings: witch or nun or alcove
- 2witch
- A woman believed to have magical powers.Also: sorceress.
- 3nun
- A woman who belongs to a religious order; usually 'cailleach dhubh'.
- 4alcove
- A recess or nook in the wall of a house, often beside the fire.Also: recess, snuggery, nook.
Other Irish words for old woman: seanbhean (old woman), seanchailleach (old woman)
“Cailleach” with the article
The plural of old woman in Irish is cailleacha. Here is cailleach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cailleach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cailleach, the Irish word for old woman.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Old woman in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for old woman?
The Irish for old woman is cailleach (pronounced “KAL-yukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cailleacha. Depending on context it can also mean witch or nun or alcove.
How do you pronounce cailleach in Irish?
Cailleach is said like “KAL-yukh” (IPA /ˈkalʲəx/).
What is the plural of old woman in Irish?
The plural of cailleach is cailleacha; with the article, na cailleacha means “the old women”. The genitive plural is cailleach, as in scéalta na gcailleach (the stories of the witches).
Does cailleach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cailleach can mean old woman, witch, nun or alcove, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cailleach change to chailleach or gcailleach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cailleach becomes mo chailleach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcailleach (eclipsis).
Does 'cailleach' always mean witch?
No, its core meaning is old woman or hag; 'cailleach' as witch comes from folklore, and 'cailleach dhubh' traditionally meant a nun.
Is 'cailleach' polite?
Not usually: calling a woman 'cailleach' can be insulting. For a neutral 'old woman' use 'seanbhean'.
