Shoulder strap in Irish (Guailleán): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for shoulder strap?

The Irish for shoulder strap is guailleán (pronounced “GOO-uh-lyawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is guailleáin. Depending on context it can also mean epaulette.

Q: What is the plural of shoulder strap in Irish?

The plural of guailleán is guailleáin; with the article, na guailleáin means “the shoulder straps”. The genitive plural is guailleán, as in fad na nguailleán (the length of the shoulder straps).

Q: Does guailleán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Guailleán can mean shoulder strap or epaulette, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shoulder strap” in Irish

Irish:: guailleán
English:: shoulder strap, epaulette
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GOO-uh-lyawn” /ˈɡuəlʲɑːn/

Various forms

Plural:: guailleáin (shoulder straps)
Genitive singular:: guailleáin, an ghuailleáin (e.g. fad an ghuailleáin, length of the shoulder strap)
Genitive plural:: guailleán, na nguailleán (e.g. fad na nguailleán, the length of the shoulder straps)

What does “guailleán” mean?

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

shoulder strap: A strap that goes over the shoulder, for example on a bag, a dress or a piece of harness.Also: strap, brace, sling.

1 other meaning: epaulette

2epaulette: A decorative piece worn on the shoulder of a uniform.Also: shoulder piece, shoulder board.

“Guailleán” with the article

The plural of shoulder strap in Irish is guailleáin. Here is guailleán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an guailleán

the shoulder strap

No change after an

na guailleáin

the shoulder straps

Plural: no change after na

“Guailleán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using guailleán, the Irish word for shoulder strap.

Bhris guailleán mo mhála scoile inné.

The strap of my school bag broke yesterday.

Tá an guailleán seo rófhada dom.

This shoulder strap is too long for me.

Ghiorraigh sí na guailleáin ar a gúna.

She shortened the straps on her dress.

Bhí guailleáin óir ar éide an oifigigh.

The officer's uniform had gold epaulettes.

Ní féidir liom an guailleán a choigeartú.

I can't adjust the shoulder strap.

Tá poll i mbarr an ghuailleáin.

There is a hole at the top of the strap.

Cheannaigh mé mála le guailleán leathair.

I bought a bag with a leather shoulder strap.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Shoulder strap in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shoulder strap?

The Irish for shoulder strap is guailleán (pronounced “GOO-uh-lyawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is guailleáin. Depending on context it can also mean epaulette.

How do you pronounce guailleán in Irish?

Guailleán is said like “GOO-uh-lyawn” (IPA /ˈɡuəlʲɑːn/).

What is the plural of shoulder strap in Irish?

The plural of guailleán is guailleáin; with the article, na guailleáin means “the shoulder straps”. The genitive plural is guailleán, as in fad na nguailleán (the length of the shoulder straps).

Does guailleán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Guailleán can mean shoulder strap or epaulette, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does guailleán change to ghuailleán or nguailleán?

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

How is guailleán related to gualainn?

Guailleán is formed from gualainn 'shoulder' with a diminutive ending, so it means something worn on the shoulder, such as a strap or epaulette.

Shoulder strap in Irish (Guailleán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage