HeyRuaHow to say “smith” in Irish
- Irish:
- gabha
- English:
- smith
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gow” /ɡəu/
- Plural:
- gaibhne (smiths)
- Genitive singular:
- gabha, an ghabha (e.g. ceárta an ghabha, the smith's forge)
- Genitive plural:
- gaibhne, na ngaibhne (e.g. obair na ngaibhne, the work of the smiths)
What does “gabha” mean?
- smith
- A craftsman who works metal, especially one who makes and repairs iron things and shoes horses.Also: blacksmith, farrier, metalworker.
“Gabha” with the article
The plural of smith in Irish is gaibhne. Here is gabha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gabha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gabha, the Irish word for smith.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Smith in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for smith?
The Irish for smith is gabha (pronounced “gow”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gaibhne.
How do you pronounce gabha in Irish?
Gabha is said like “gow” (IPA /ɡəu/).
What is the plural of smith in Irish?
The plural of gabha is gaibhne; with the article, na gaibhne means “the smiths”. The genitive plural is gaibhne, as in obair na ngaibhne (the work of the smiths).
Why does gabha change to ghabha or ngabha?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gabha becomes mo ghabha (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngabha (eclipsis).
Is the surname Mac Gabhann related to gabha?
Yes, Mac Gabhann (Smith, McGowan) means 'son of the smith', from an old genitive form of gabha.
Where does a gabha work?
A smith works in a forge, which in Irish is ceárta, at an anvil, inneoin.
