HeyRuaHow to say “professor” in Irish
- Irish:
- ollamh
- English:
- professor, master poet, master
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OL-uv” /ˈɔl̪ˠəvˠ/
- Plural:
- ollúna (professors)
- Genitive singular:
- ollaimh, an ollaimh (e.g. oifig an ollaimh, the professor's office)
- Genitive plural:
- ollúna, na n-ollúna (e.g. cruinniú na n-ollúna, the professors' meeting)
What does “ollamh” mean?
“Ollamh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- professor
- A senior university teacher who holds a chair in a subject.Also: university professor, chair.
2 other meanings: master poet or master
- 2master poet
- In early Ireland, a poet or scholar of the highest rank, an ollave.Also: ollave, chief poet, learned man.
- 3master
- An expert or authority in a particular art or skill.Also: expert, authority, learned person.
“Ollamh” with the article
The plural of professor in Irish is ollúna. Here is ollamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ollamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ollamh, the Irish word for professor.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Professor in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for professor?
The Irish for professor is ollamh (pronounced “OL-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ollúna. Depending on context it can also mean master poet or master.
How do you pronounce ollamh in Irish?
Ollamh is said like “OL-uv” (IPA /ˈɔl̪ˠəvˠ/).
What is the plural of professor in Irish?
The plural of ollamh is ollúna; with the article, na hollúna means “the professors”. The genitive plural is ollúna, as in cruinniú na n-ollúna (the professors' meeting).
Does ollamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ollamh can mean professor, master poet or master, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ollamh sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ollamh (the professor), a hollamh (her professor), a n-ollamh (their professor), na hollúna (the professors).
How do I say someone is a professor of a subject?
Use 'le': 'Is ollamh le stair é', he is a professor of history.
What is the difference between 'ollamh' and 'léachtóir'?
'Ollamh' is a professor holding a chair, while 'léachtóir' is a lecturer of lower rank.
