HeyRuaHow to say “pliers” in Irish
- Irish:
- greamaire
- English:
- pliers, holder
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GRAM-ir-uh” /ˈɡɾʲamˠəɾʲə/
- Plural:
- greamairí (pliers)
- Genitive singular:
- greamaire, an ghreamaire (e.g. lámh an ghreamaire, the handle of the pliers)
- Genitive plural:
- greamairí, na ngreamairí (e.g. bosca na ngreamairí, the pliers box)
What does “greamaire” mean?
“Greamaire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pliers
- A hand tool with two hinged jaws used for gripping, holding or bending things.Also: pincers, gripper, grip tool.
1 other meaning: holder
- 2holder
- Something that grips or holds an object in place, such as a clip or clamp.Also: clip, clamp, grip.
“Greamaire” with the article
The plural of pliers in Irish is greamairí. Here is greamaire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Greamaire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using greamaire, the Irish word for pliers.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pliers in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pliers?
The Irish for pliers is greamaire (pronounced “GRAM-ir-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is greamairí. Depending on context it can also mean holder.
How do you pronounce greamaire in Irish?
Greamaire is said like “GRAM-ir-uh” (IPA /ˈɡɾʲamˠəɾʲə/).
What is the plural of pliers in Irish?
The plural of greamaire is greamairí; with the article, na greamairí means “the pliers”. The genitive plural is greamairí, as in bosca na ngreamairí (the pliers box).
Does greamaire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Greamaire can mean pliers or holder, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does greamaire change to ghreamaire or ngreamaire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) greamaire becomes mo ghreamaire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngreamaire (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'greamaire' and 'pionsúr'?
'Greamaire' is the usual word for pliers, while 'pionsúr' means pincers, used especially for pulling nails.
Is 'greamaire' related to 'greim'?
Yes, it comes from 'greamaigh' (to grip, stick), related to 'greim' (grip, hold), so a 'greamaire' is literally a gripper.
