HeyRuaHow to say “scab” in Irish
- Irish:
- gearb
- English:
- scab, mange
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYAR-ub” /ɟaɾˠəbˠ/
- Plural:
- gearba (scabs)
- Genitive singular:
- geirbe, na geirbe (e.g. dath na geirbe, the colour of the scab)
- Genitive plural:
- gearb, na ngearb (e.g. lorg na ngearb, the marks of the scabs)
What does “gearb” mean?
“Gearb” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- scab
- A rough crust that forms over a cut or sore as it heals.Also: crust, sore.
1 other meaning: mange
- 2mange
- A skin disease of animals, or scabies in people, that causes itching and scabby patches.Also: scabies, itch.
“Gearb” with the article
The plural of scab in Irish is gearba. Here is gearb after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gearb” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gearb, the Irish word for scab.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Scab in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for scab?
The Irish for scab is gearb (pronounced “GYAR-ub”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gearba. Depending on context it can also mean mange.
How do you pronounce gearb in Irish?
Gearb is said like “GYAR-ub” (IPA /ɟaɾˠəbˠ/).
What is the plural of scab in Irish?
The plural of gearb is gearba; with the article, na gearba means “the scabs”. The genitive plural is gearb, as in lorg na ngearb (the marks of the scabs).
Does gearb have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gearb can mean scab or mange, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gearb change to ghearb or ngearb?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gearb becomes mo ghearb (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngearb (eclipsis).
What is the adjective from 'gearb'?
'Gearbach' means scabby or mangy, for example 'madra gearbach', a mangy dog.
