HeyRuaHow to say “spouse” in Irish
- Irish:
- céile
- English:
- spouse, companion
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAY-luh” /ˈceːlʲə/
- Plural:
- céilí (spouses)
- Genitive singular:
- céile, an chéile (e.g. ainm an chéile, the spouse's name)
- Genitive plural:
- céilí, na gcéilí (e.g. cearta na gcéilí, the rights of the spouses)
What does “céile” mean?
“Céile” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spouse
- A husband or wife; the person someone is married to.Also: husband, wife, partner, consort.
1 other meaning: companion
- 2companion
- A companion or fellow, one of a pair; used in phrases like 'a chéile' meaning each other.Also: fellow, mate, counterpart.
Other Irish words for spouse: banchéile (wife)
“Céile” with the article
The plural of spouse in Irish is céilí. Here is céile after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Céile” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using céile, the Irish word for spouse.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spouse in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spouse?
The Irish for spouse is céile (pronounced “KAY-luh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is céilí. Depending on context it can also mean companion.
How do you pronounce céile in Irish?
Céile is said like “KAY-luh” (IPA /ˈceːlʲə/).
What is the plural of spouse in Irish?
The plural of céile is céilí; with the article, na céilí means “the spouses”. The genitive plural is céilí, as in cearta na gcéilí (the rights of the spouses).
Does céile have more than one meaning?
Yes. Céile can mean spouse or companion, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does céile change to chéile or gcéile?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) céile becomes mo chéile (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcéile (eclipsis).
How do I say husband and wife using 'céile'?
Use 'fear céile' for husband and 'bean chéile' for wife; 'céile' on its own is a neutral word for spouse.
What does 'le chéile' mean?
'Le chéile' means together, and 'a chéile' means each other, as in 'chabhraigh siad lena chéile', they helped each other.
