Run in Irish (Geábh): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for run?

The Irish for run is geábh (pronounced “gyawv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is geábhanna. Depending on context it can also mean spell or gust.

Q: What is the plural of run in Irish?

The plural of geábh is geábhanna; with the article, na geábhanna means “the runs”. The genitive plural is geábhanna, as in líon na ngeábhanna (the number of runs).

Q: Does geábh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Geábh can mean run, spell or gust, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “run” in Irish

Irish:: geábh
English:: run, spell, gust
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “gyawv” /ɟɑːw/

Various forms

Plural:: geábhanna (runs)
Genitive singular:: geábha, an gheábha (e.g. fad an gheábha, the length of the run)
Genitive plural:: geábhanna, na ngeábhanna (e.g. líon na ngeábhanna, the number of runs)

What does “geábh” mean?

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

run: A short run, dash or trip somewhere and back.Also: dash, trip, short journey.

2 other meanings: spell or gust

2spell: A short period or bout of activity, such as a spell of work.Also: bout, turn, stint.
3gust: A sudden rush or gust, for example of wind.Also: rush, blast.

Other Irish words for run: rith (running), rith (running), rith (run), reáchtáil (run)

“Geábh” with the article

The plural of run in Irish is geábhanna. Here is geábh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an geábh

the run

No change after an

na geábhanna

the runs

Plural: no change after na

“Geábh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using geábh, the Irish word for run.

Thug sé geábh go dtí an siopa.

He made a quick run to the shop.

Bhí an geábh fada agus tuirseach.

The trip was long and tiring.

Rinne mé geábh oibre ar maidin.

I did a spell of work this morning.

Tabharfaidh mé geábh abhaile anocht.

I'll make a quick trip home tonight.

Thug siad trí gheábh chuig an trá.

They made three trips to the beach.

Ní raibh ach geábh gearr ann.

It was only a short run.

Ag deireadh an gheábha bhí ocras orainn.

At the end of the trip we were hungry.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Run in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for run?

The Irish for run is geábh (pronounced “gyawv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is geábhanna. Depending on context it can also mean spell or gust.

How do you pronounce geábh in Irish?

Geábh is said like “gyawv” (IPA /ɟɑːw/).

What is the plural of run in Irish?

The plural of geábh is geábhanna; with the article, na geábhanna means “the runs”. The genitive plural is geábhanna, as in líon na ngeábhanna (the number of runs).

Does geábh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Geábh can mean run, spell or gust, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does geábh change to gheábh or ngeábh?

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

How is 'geábh' different from 'turas'?

'Turas' is a general journey, while 'geábh' suggests a short quick run or trip, as in 'thug mé geábh go dtí an siopa'.

Run in Irish (Geábh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage