HeyRuaHow to say “pole” in Irish
- Irish:
- cuaille
- English:
- pole, beanpole
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-il-yuh” /ˈkuəlʲə/
- Plural:
- cuaillí (poles)
- Genitive singular:
- cuaille, an chuaille (e.g. barr an chuaille, the top of the pole)
- Genitive plural:
- cuaillí, na gcuaillí (e.g. líne na gcuaillí, the line of poles)
What does “cuaille” mean?
“Cuaille” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pole
- A long, slender piece of wood or metal set upright or used for support.Also: post, stake, pale.
1 other meaning: beanpole
- 2beanpole
- A tall, thin person, used figuratively.Also: tall thin person, lanky person.
“Cuaille” with the article
The plural of pole in Irish is cuaillí. Here is cuaille after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cuaille” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cuaille, the Irish word for pole.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pole in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pole?
The Irish for pole is cuaille (pronounced “KOO-il-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cuaillí. Depending on context it can also mean beanpole.
How do you pronounce cuaille in Irish?
Cuaille is said like “KOO-il-yuh” (IPA /ˈkuəlʲə/).
What is the plural of pole in Irish?
The plural of cuaille is cuaillí; with the article, na cuaillí means “the poles”. The genitive plural is cuaillí, as in líne na gcuaillí (the line of poles).
Does cuaille have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cuaille can mean pole or beanpole, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cuaille change to chuaille or gcuaille?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuaille becomes mo chuaille (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuaille (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cuaille' and 'polla'?
Both can mean pole or post; 'cuaille' is the more traditional word, as in 'cuaille lampa', while 'polla' is also common for a post or pole.
