HeyRuaHow to say “reed” in Irish
- Irish:
- giolc
- English:
- reed
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gyilk” /ɟɪlˠk/
- Plural:
- giolcacha (reeds)
- Genitive singular:
- giolca, an ghiolca (e.g. bláth an ghiolca, the flower of the reed)
- Genitive plural:
- giolcacha, na ngiolcacha (e.g. barr na ngiolcacha, the tops of the reeds)
What does “giolc” mean?
- reed
- A tall grass-like plant with a hollow stem that grows in wet places such as marshes and riverbanks.Also: reeds, common reed, marsh reed.
Other Irish words for reed: giolcach (reed)
“Giolc” with the article
The plural of reed in Irish is giolcacha. Here is giolc after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giolc” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giolc, the Irish word for reed.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Reed in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for reed?
The Irish for reed is giolc (pronounced “gyilk”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giolcacha.
How do you pronounce giolc in Irish?
Giolc is said like “gyilk” (IPA /ɟɪlˠk/).
What is the plural of reed in Irish?
The plural of giolc is giolcacha; with the article, na giolcacha means “the reeds”. The genitive plural is giolcacha, as in barr na ngiolcacha (the tops of the reeds).
Why does giolc change to ghiolc or ngiolc?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giolc becomes mo ghiolc (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiolc (eclipsis).
What is the difference between giolc and luachair?
Giolc is a reed, a tall plant of wet ground, while luachair means rushes. The related word cuilc is also used for reeds or bulrushes.
Is there a word for a growth of reeds?
Yes, giolcach is used for reeds collectively or a reedy place, while giolc is the reed itself.
