HeyRuaHow to say “steam” in Irish
- Irish:
- gal
- English:
- steam, puff, valour
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gal” /ɡalˠ/
- Plural:
- gala (steams)
- Genitive singular:
- gaile, na gaile (e.g. inneall gaile, steam engine)
- Genitive plural:
- gal, na ngal (e.g. boladh na ngal, the smell of the vapours)
What does “gal” mean?
“Gal” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- steam
- The hot vapour that rises from boiling water or from something hot.Also: vapour, vapor.
2 other meanings: puff or valour
- 2puff
- A puff or whiff of smoke, especially a draw on a pipe or cigarette.Also: whiff, draw, smoke.
- 3valour
- Fierce warlike ardour or fury, as of a warrior in battle.Also: ardour, fury, valor.
“Gal” with the article
The plural of steam in Irish is gala. Here is gal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gal, the Irish word for steam.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Steam in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for steam?
The Irish for steam is gal (pronounced “gal”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gala. Depending on context it can also mean puff or valour.
How do you pronounce gal in Irish?
Gal is said like “gal” (IPA /ɡalˠ/).
What is the plural of steam in Irish?
The plural of gal is gala; with the article, na gala means “the steams”. The genitive plural is gal, as in boladh na ngal (the smell of the vapours).
Does gal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gal can mean steam, puff or valour, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gal change to ghal or ngal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gal becomes mo ghal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngal (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'gal' and 'deatach'?
'Gal' is steam or vapour from heat or boiling water, while 'deatach' is smoke from burning.
How do I say 'take a puff' of a pipe?
You say 'gal a bhaint as an bpíopa', literally to take a puff out of the pipe.
