HeyRuaHow to say “standing stone” in Irish
- Irish:
- gallán
- English:
- standing stone, stiff, erect person, warty growth
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAL-awn” /ˈɡal̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- galláin (standing stones)
- Genitive singular:
- galláin, an ghalláin (e.g. barr an ghalláin, the top of the standing stone)
- Genitive plural:
- gallán, na ngallán (e.g. ciorcal na ngallán, the circle of standing stones)
What does “gallán” mean?
“Gallán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- standing stone
- A tall upright stone set in the ground in prehistoric times.Also: pillar stone, menhir, monolith.
2 other meanings: stiff, erect person or warty growth
- 2stiff, erect person
- A person who stands or holds himself very stiff and upright.Also: stiff person, erect person.
- 3warty growth
- A warty growth found on cattle.Also: wart.
“Gallán” with the article
The plural of standing stone in Irish is galláin. Here is gallán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gallán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gallán, the Irish word for standing stone.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Standing stone in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for standing stone?
The Irish for standing stone is gallán (pronounced “GAL-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is galláin. Depending on context it can also mean stiff, erect person or warty growth.
How do you pronounce gallán in Irish?
Gallán is said like “GAL-awn” (IPA /ˈɡal̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of standing stone in Irish?
The plural of gallán is galláin; with the article, na galláin means “the standing stones”. The genitive plural is gallán, as in ciorcal na ngallán (the circle of standing stones).
Does gallán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gallán can mean standing stone, stiff, erect person or warty growth, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gallán change to ghallán or ngallán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gallán becomes mo ghallán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngallán (eclipsis).
Is 'gallán' the same as 'dolmain'?
No. A 'gallán' is a single upright stone, while a 'dolmain' or 'cromleac' is a tomb of upright stones with a capstone on top.
Does 'gallán' appear in plant names?
Yes: 'gallán greanchair' is coltsfoot and 'gallán mór' is butterbur.
