Rule in Irish (Riail): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for rule?

The Irish for rule is riail (pronounced “ree-ul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is rialacha. Depending on context it can also mean order or ruler.

Q: What is the plural of rule in Irish?

The plural of riail is rialacha; with the article, na rialacha means “the rules”. The genitive plural is rialacha, as in leabhar rialacha (rule book).

Q: Does riail have more than one meaning?

Yes. Riail can mean rule, order or ruler, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “rule” in Irish

Irish:: riail
English:: rule, order, ruler
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:: “ree-ul” /ɾˠiəlʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: rialacha (rules)
Genitive singular:: rialach, na rialach (e.g. briseadh na rialach, breaking of the rule)
Genitive plural:: rialacha, na rialacha (e.g. leabhar rialacha, rule book)

What does “riail” mean?

“Riail” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

rule: A statement of what must or must not be done, or of how something normally works.Also: regulation, principle, law.

2 other meanings: order or ruler

2order: Discipline or orderly control, as in a religious rule of life or keeping order.Also: discipline, code of discipline, religious rule.
3ruler: A straight strip used for measuring or drawing lines; also a printed line in typography.Also: measuring rule, straightedge.

Other Irish words for rule: dlí (law), prionsabal (principle), rialaigh (rule), rialóir (ruler)

“Riail” with the article

The plural of rule in Irish is rialacha. Here is riail after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an riail

the rule

No change after an

na rialacha

the rules

Plural: no change after na

“Riail” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using riail, the Irish word for rule.

Tá tábhacht le rialacha.

Rules are important.

Caithfidh tú cloí leis na rialacha.

You must stick to the rules.

Sin riail nua sa scoil.

That's a new rule in the school.

Bhris sé an riail arís inné.

He broke the rule again yesterday.

Ní thuigim cuspóir na rialach seo.

I don't understand the point of this rule.

Is eisceacht í sin don riail.

That is an exception to the rule.

Tá na rialacha uile sa leabhar gramadaí seo.

All the rules are in this grammar book.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Rule in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rule?

The Irish for rule is riail (pronounced “ree-ul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is rialacha. Depending on context it can also mean order or ruler.

How do you pronounce riail in Irish?

Riail is said like “ree-ul” (IPA /ɾˠiəlʲ/).

What is the plural of rule in Irish?

The plural of riail is rialacha; with the article, na rialacha means “the rules”. The genitive plural is rialacha, as in leabhar rialacha (rule book).

Does riail have more than one meaning?

Yes. Riail can mean rule, order or ruler, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between riail and rialachán?

Riail is a general rule or principle, while rialachán is a formal regulation, often legal or official.

How do I say 'as a rule' in Irish?

You can say 'mar riail' or 'de ghnáth', for example 'De ghnáth éirím go luath'.

Rule in Irish (Riail): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage