Reed in Irish (Giolcach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for reed?

The Irish for reed is giolcach (pronounced “GIL-kukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is giolcacha. Depending on context it can also mean cane.

Q: What is the plural of reed in Irish?

The plural of giolcach is giolcacha; with the article, na giolcacha means “the reeds”. The genitive plural is giolcach, as in fás na ngiolcach (the growth of the reeds).

Q: Does giolcach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giolcach can mean reed or cane, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “reed” in Irish

Irish:: giolcach
English:: reed, cane
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “GIL-kukh” /ˈɟɪlˠkəx/

Various forms

Plural:: giolcacha (reeds)
Genitive singular:: giolcaí, na giolcaí (e.g. bláth na giolcaí, the flower of the reed)
Genitive plural:: giolcach, na ngiolcach (e.g. fás na ngiolcach, the growth of the reeds)

What does “giolcach” mean?

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

reed: A tall grass-like plant that grows in wet places, or a mass of such plants.Also: reeds, reed bed, rush.

1 other meaning: cane

2cane: A plant with a long hollow or jointed stem, such as bamboo, or the stem itself.Also: bamboo, stalk.

“Giolcach” with the article

The plural of reed in Irish is giolcacha. Here is giolcach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ghiolcach

the reed

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na giolcacha

the reeds

Plural: no change after na

“Giolcach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using giolcach, the Irish word for reed.

Tá giolcach ag fás ar bhruach na habhann.

Reeds are growing on the riverbank.

Bhí an ghiolcach ard agus tiubh in aice an locha.

The reeds were tall and thick beside the lake.

Chuala mé fuaim na gaoithe sa ghiolcach.

I heard the sound of the wind in the reeds.

Bhí lacha i bhfolach i measc na ngiolcach.

A duck was hiding among the reeds.

Rinne siad díon as giolcacha fadó.

Long ago they made roofs from reeds.

Gearradh dhá ghiolcach don chiseán.

Two reeds were cut for the basket.

Bhí na héin ag neadú sa ghiolcach.

The birds were nesting in the reeds.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Reed in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for reed?

The Irish for reed is giolcach (pronounced “GIL-kukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is giolcacha. Depending on context it can also mean cane.

How do you pronounce giolcach in Irish?

Giolcach is said like “GIL-kukh” (IPA /ˈɟɪlˠkəx/).

What is the plural of reed in Irish?

The plural of giolcach is giolcacha; with the article, na giolcacha means “the reeds”. The genitive plural is giolcach, as in fás na ngiolcach (the growth of the reeds).

Does giolcach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giolcach can mean reed or cane, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does giolcach change to ghiolcach or ngiolcach?

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

What is the difference between giolcach and luachair?

Giolcach is reed, a tall grass of wet ground, while luachair is rush, the thinner plant used for Brigid's crosses.

Reed in Irish (Giolcach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage