HeyRuaHow to say “stomach” in Irish
- Irish:
- goile
- English:
- stomach, appetite
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GIL-uh” /ˈɡɪlʲə/
- Plural:
- goilí (stomachs)
- Genitive singular:
- goile, an ghoile (e.g. béal an ghoile, pit of the stomach)
- Genitive plural:
- goilí, na ngoilí (e.g. tinneas goilí, stomach ailments)
What does “goile” mean?
“Goile” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stomach
- The organ in the body where food goes to be digested.Also: belly, tummy, gut.
1 other meaning: appetite
- 2appetite
- The desire or readiness to eat food.Also: hunger, desire for food.
Other Irish words for stomach: bolg (belly)
“Goile” with the article
The plural of stomach in Irish is goilí. Here is goile after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Goile” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using goile, the Irish word for stomach.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stomach in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stomach?
The Irish for stomach is goile (pronounced “GIL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is goilí. Depending on context it can also mean appetite.
How do you pronounce goile in Irish?
Goile is said like “GIL-uh” (IPA /ˈɡɪlʲə/).
What is the plural of stomach in Irish?
The plural of goile is goilí; with the article, na goilí means “the stomachs”. The genitive plural is goilí, as in tinneas goilí (stomach ailments).
Does goile have more than one meaning?
Yes. Goile can mean stomach or appetite, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does goile change to ghoile or ngoile?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) goile becomes mo ghoile (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngoile (eclipsis).
What is the difference between goile and bolg?
Goile is the stomach as an organ and also appetite, while bolg is the belly or abdomen seen from outside. You say 'tá pian i mo bholg' or 'i mo ghoile' for a stomach ache.
How do I say 'to whet someone's appetite'?
Use 'goile a dhéanamh do dhuine', e.g. 'rinne an tsiúlóid goile dom'. To spoil it, say 'an goile a bhaint de dhuine'.
