HeyRuaHow to say “relationship” in Irish
- Irish:
- gaol
- English:
- relationship, relative, connection, affection
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gayl” /ɡeːlˠ/
- Plural:
- gaoil (relationships)
- Genitive singular:
- gaoil, an ghaoil (e.g. fear gaoil, a male relative)
- Genitive plural:
- gaol, na ngaol (e.g. dlúthú na ngaol, the strengthening of relationships)
What does “gaol” mean?
“Gaol” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- relationship
- A family connection between people, by blood or marriage; kinship.Also: kinship, family connection, blood relation.
3 other meanings: relative or connection or affection
- 2relative
- A person related to you; kin, relations collectively.Also: relation, kin, kinsman.
- 3connection
- A link or relation between things or ideas.Also: relation, link, association.
- 4affection
- A warm, kindred feeling or fondness for someone.Also: fondness, kindred feeling, attachment.
Other Irish words for relationship: caidreamh (relationship)
“Gaol” with the article
The plural of relationship in Irish is gaoil. Here is gaol after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gaol” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gaol, the Irish word for relationship.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Relationship in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for relationship?
The Irish for relationship is gaol (pronounced “gayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gaoil. Depending on context it can also mean relative or connection or affection.
How do you pronounce gaol in Irish?
Gaol is said like “gayl” (IPA /ɡeːlˠ/).
What is the plural of relationship in Irish?
The plural of gaol is gaoil; with the article, na gaoil means “the relationships”. The genitive plural is gaol, as in dlúthú na ngaol (the strengthening of relationships).
Does gaol have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gaol can mean relationship, relative, connection or affection, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gaol change to ghaol or ngaol?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gaol becomes mo ghaol (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngaol (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I am related to her' in Irish?
Say 'Tá gaol agam léi'. To ask 'Are we related?', say 'An bhfuil gaol againn le chéile?'.
Is 'gaol' the same as English 'gaol' (jail)?
No, it is a false friend: Irish 'gaol' means relationship or kinship. Jail is 'príosún'.
