HeyRuaHow to say “reed” in Irish
- Irish:
- giolcóg
- English:
- reed
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “gil-KOHG” /ɟɪlˠˈkoːɡ/
- Plural:
- giolcóga (reeds)
- Genitive singular:
- giolcóige, na giolcóige (e.g. barr na giolcóige, the top of the reed)
- Genitive plural:
- giolcóg, na ngiolcóg (e.g. dos na ngiolcóg, the clump of the reeds)
What does “giolcóg” mean?
- reed
- A tall, thin grass-like plant that grows in water or on marshy ground.Also: cane, rush, marsh plant.
Other Irish words for reed: giolcach (reed)
“Giolcóg” with the article
The plural of reed in Irish is giolcóga. Here is giolcóg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giolcóg” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giolcóg, 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 giolcóg (pronounced “gil-KOHG”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is giolcóga.
How do you pronounce giolcóg in Irish?
Giolcóg is said like “gil-KOHG” (IPA /ɟɪlˠˈkoːɡ/).
What is the plural of reed in Irish?
The plural of giolcóg is giolcóga; with the article, na giolcóga means “the reeds”. The genitive plural is giolcóg, as in dos na ngiolcóg (the clump of the reeds).
Why does giolcóg change to ghiolcóg or ngiolcóg?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giolcóg becomes mo ghiolcóg (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiolcóg (eclipsis).
What is the difference between giolcóg and cuilc?
Both mean reed; cuilc is the usual word for common reed or thatching reed, while giolcóg is also used for a reed or cane, especially a single stalk.
