HeyRuaHow to say “pearl” in Irish
- Irish:
- péarla
- English:
- pearl, pearl (precious person or thing)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “PAYR-luh” /ˈpʲeːɾˠl̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- péarlaí (pearls)
- Genitive singular:
- péarla, an phéarla (e.g. dath an phéarla, the colour of the pearl)
- Genitive plural:
- péarlaí, na bpéarlaí (e.g. sreang na bpéarlaí, the string of pearls)
What does “péarla” mean?
“Péarla” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pearl
- A small, hard, shiny white ball that forms inside an oyster and is used in jewellery.Also: pearls, gem.
1 other meaning: pearl (precious person or thing)
- 2pearl (precious person or thing)
- Something or someone very precious or excellent, used figuratively.Also: pearl, gem, treasure.
“Péarla” with the article
The plural of pearl in Irish is péarlaí. Here is péarla after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Péarla” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using péarla, the Irish word for pearl.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pearl in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pearl?
The Irish for pearl is péarla (pronounced “PAYR-luh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is péarlaí. Depending on context it can also mean pearl (precious person or thing).
How do you pronounce péarla in Irish?
Péarla is said like “PAYR-luh” (IPA /ˈpʲeːɾˠl̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of pearl in Irish?
The plural of péarla is péarlaí; with the article, na péarlaí means “the pearls”. The genitive plural is péarlaí, as in sreang na bpéarlaí (the string of pearls).
Does péarla have more than one meaning?
Yes. Péarla can mean pearl or pearl (precious person or thing), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does péarla change to phéarla or bpéarla?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) péarla becomes mo phéarla (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpéarla (eclipsis).
How do I say 'mother-of-pearl' in Irish?
Mother-of-pearl is 'máthair phéarla', with lenition on 'péarla'.
