Police officer in Irish (Garda): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for police officer?

The Irish for police officer is garda (pronounced “GAWR-duh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gardaí. Depending on context it can also mean guard.

Q: What is the plural of police officer in Irish?

The plural of garda is gardaí; with the article, na gardaí means “the police officers”. The genitive plural is gardaí, as in stáisiún na ngardaí (the police station).

Q: Does garda have more than one meaning?

Yes. Garda can mean police officer or guard, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “police officer” in Irish

Irish:: garda
English:: police officer, guard
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GAWR-duh” /ˈɡaːɾˠd̪ˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: gardaí (police officers)
Genitive singular:: garda, an gharda (e.g. carr an gharda, the police officer's car)
Genitive plural:: gardaí, na ngardaí (e.g. stáisiún na ngardaí, the police station)

What does “garda” mean?

“Garda” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

police officer: A member of the police force, especially of the Garda Síochána in Ireland.Also: policeman, garda, guard, cop.

1 other meaning: guard

2guard: A person or group of people who keep watch over or protect someone or something.Also: sentry, watch, escort.

Other Irish words for police officer: póilín (policeman), péas (policeman), constábla (constable)

“Garda” with the article

The plural of police officer in Irish is gardaí. Here is garda after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an garda

the police officer

No change after an

na gardaí

the police officers

Plural: no change after na

“Garda” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using garda, the Irish word for police officer.

Is garda é m'uncail i nGaillimh.

My uncle is a garda in Galway.

Tháinig an garda chuig an doras aréir.

The guard came to the door last night.

Ghlaoigh sí ar na gardaí láithreach.

She called the police immediately.

Bhí hata an gharda ar an mbord.

The garda's cap was on the table.

Tá beirt ghardaí ag seasamh taobh amuigh.

Two guards are standing outside.

Dia duit, a gharda, an bhfuil fadhb ann?

Hello, guard, is there a problem?

Is ball den Gharda Síochána í mo dheirfiúr.

My sister is a member of the Garda Síochána.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Police officer in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for police officer?

The Irish for police officer is garda (pronounced “GAWR-duh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gardaí. Depending on context it can also mean guard.

How do you pronounce garda in Irish?

Garda is said like “GAWR-duh” (IPA /ˈɡaːɾˠd̪ˠə/).

What is the plural of police officer in Irish?

The plural of garda is gardaí; with the article, na gardaí means “the police officers”. The genitive plural is gardaí, as in stáisiún na ngardaí (the police station).

Does garda have more than one meaning?

Yes. Garda can mean police officer or guard, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does garda change to gharda or ngarda?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) garda becomes mo gharda (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngarda (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'garda' and 'póilín'?

'Garda' is used for a member of the Irish police, the Garda Síochána, while 'póilín' is a general word for a policeman, often used for police elsewhere, such as in Northern Ireland.

How do you say 'policewoman' in Irish?

The traditional word is 'bangharda', though 'garda' is now used for officers of any gender.

Police officer in Irish (Garda): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage