Rail in Irish (Ráille): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for rail?

The Irish for rail is ráille (pronounced “RAWL-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ráillí. Depending on context it can also mean rail (track).

Q: What is the plural of rail in Irish?

The plural of ráille is ráillí; with the article, na ráillí means “the rails”. The genitive plural is ráillí, as in péint na ráillí (the paint on the rails).

Q: Does ráille have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ráille can mean rail or rail (track), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “rail” in Irish

Irish:: ráille
English:: rail, rail (track)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “RAWL-yuh” /ˈɾˠaːlʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: ráillí (rails)
Genitive singular:: ráille, an ráille (e.g. barr an ráille, the top of the rail)
Genitive plural:: ráillí, na ráillí (e.g. péint na ráillí, the paint on the rails)

What does “ráille” mean?

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

rail: A horizontal bar or rod, for example on a fence, staircase or balcony, used for support or as a barrier.Also: railing, handrail, banister, bar.

1 other meaning: rail (track)

2rail (track): One of the steel bars that form a railway track.Also: rail, railway track, track, rail line.

Other Irish words for rail: ráil (rail)

“Ráille” with the article

The plural of rail in Irish is ráillí. Here is ráille after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ráille

the rail

No change after an

na ráillí

the rails

Plural: no change after na

“Ráille” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ráille, the Irish word for rail.

Coinnigh greim ar an ráille ar an staighre.

Hold on to the rail on the stairs.

Bhí sí ina seasamh ag an ráille ag féachaint ar an bhfarraige.

She was standing at the rail looking at the sea.

Phéinteáil m'athair na ráillí taobh amuigh den teach.

My father painted the railings outside the house.

Tá ráille nua ar an droichead anois.

There is a new rail on the bridge now.

Bhí dath an ráille ag imeacht leis an mbáisteach.

The colour of the rail was fading in the rain.

Chroch sé an tuáille ar an ráille.

He hung the towel on the rail.

Thit an traein de na ráillí in aice an stáisiúin.

The train came off the rails near the station.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Rail in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rail?

The Irish for rail is ráille (pronounced “RAWL-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ráillí. Depending on context it can also mean rail (track).

How do you pronounce ráille in Irish?

Ráille is said like “RAWL-yuh” (IPA /ˈɾˠaːlʲə/).

What is the plural of rail in Irish?

The plural of ráille is ráillí; with the article, na ráillí means “the rails”. The genitive plural is ráillí, as in péint na ráillí (the paint on the rails).

Does ráille have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ráille can mean rail or rail (track), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is 'ráille' the word for railway?

No, a railway is 'iarnród'; 'ráille' is a single rail or railing, though 'ráillí' can mean the rails of a track.

Rail in Irish (Ráille): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage