Soap in Irish (Gallúnach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for soap?

The Irish for soap is gallúnach (pronounced “GAL-oo-nukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gallúnacha. Depending on context it can also mean flattery.

Q: What is the plural of soap in Irish?

The plural of gallúnach is gallúnacha; with the article, na gallúnacha means “the soaps”. The genitive plural is gallúnach, as in praghsanna na ngallúnach (the prices of the soaps).

Q: Does gallúnach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gallúnach can mean soap or flattery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “soap” in Irish

Irish:: gallúnach
English:: soap, flattery
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “GAL-oo-nukh” /ˈɡaluːnəx/

Various forms

Plural:: gallúnacha (soaps)
Genitive singular:: gallúnaí, na gallúnaí (e.g. barra gallúnaí, a bar of soap)
Genitive plural:: gallúnach, na ngallúnach (e.g. praghsanna na ngallúnach, the prices of the soaps)

What does “gallúnach” mean?

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

soap: A substance used with water for washing and cleaning.Also: bar of soap, hand soap.

1 other meaning: flattery

2flattery: Insincere praise or coaxing talk used to win someone over, as in 'soft soap'.Also: soft soap, cajolery.

Other Irish words for soap: sobaldráma (soap opera), sópa (soap)

“Gallúnach” with the article

The plural of soap in Irish is gallúnacha. Here is gallúnach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ghallúnach

the soap

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na gallúnacha

the soaps

Plural: no change after na

“Gallúnach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gallúnach, the Irish word for soap.

Nigh do lámha le gallúnach agus uisce.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Tá an ghallúnach sa seomra folctha.

The soap is in the bathroom.

Cheannaigh mé barra gallúnaí sa siopa.

I bought a bar of soap in the shop.

Díoltar gallúnacha lámhdhéanta ag an margadh.

Handmade soaps are sold at the market.

Chuaigh gallúnach i mo shúil.

Soap got into my eye.

Tá gallúnach ar a lámha fós.

There's still soap on his hands.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

rásaying comharcooperation trábeach tráebb measrespect scilskill

Soap in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for soap?

The Irish for soap is gallúnach (pronounced “GAL-oo-nukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gallúnacha. Depending on context it can also mean flattery.

How do you pronounce gallúnach in Irish?

Gallúnach is said like “GAL-oo-nukh” (IPA /ˈɡaluːnəx/).

What is the plural of soap in Irish?

The plural of gallúnach is gallúnacha; with the article, na gallúnacha means “the soaps”. The genitive plural is gallúnach, as in praghsanna na ngallúnach (the prices of the soaps).

Does gallúnach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gallúnach can mean soap or flattery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gallúnach change to ghallúnach or ngallúnach?

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

How do I say 'soapy' in Irish?

Use the phrase 'faoi ghallúnach', for example 'Tá na gréithe faoi ghallúnach' (The dishes are soapy).

Is 'sobaldráma' related to gallúnach?

No, a soap opera is 'sobaldráma', not built on 'gallúnach'.

Soap in Irish (Gallúnach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage