HeyRuaHow to say “syphilis” in Irish
- Irish:
- gallbholgach
- English:
- syphilis
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “GAWL-wol-ugh-akh” /ˈɡɑːlˠwəlˠəɡəx/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- gallbholgaí, na gallbholgaí (e.g. cóireáil na gallbholgaí, the treatment of syphilis)
What does “gallbholgach” mean?
- syphilis
- A serious sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria.Also: pox, venereal disease, French pox.
“Gallbholgach” with the article
Here is gallbholgach after the article (an t-alt).
an ghallbholgach
the syphilis
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)
“Gallbholgach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gallbholgach, the Irish word for syphilis.
Is galar gnéas-tarchurtha í an ghallbholgach.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease.
Bhí gallbholgach air nuair a fuair sé bás.
He had syphilis when he died.
Is féidir an ghallbholgach a leigheas le peinicillin.
Syphilis can be cured with penicillin.
Rinne an dochtúir tástáil le haghaidh gallbholgaí.
The doctor tested for syphilis.
Tá comharthaí na gallbholgaí deacair a aithint.
The symptoms of syphilis are hard to recognise.
Tháinig méadú ar an ngallbholgach le blianta beaga anuas.
Syphilis has increased in recent years.
Fuair go leor saighdiúirí gallbholgach sa chogadh.
Many soldiers caught syphilis in the war.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Syphilis in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for syphilis?
The Irish for syphilis is gallbholgach (pronounced “GAWL-wol-ugh-akh”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce gallbholgach in Irish?
Gallbholgach is said like “GAWL-wol-ugh-akh” (IPA /ˈɡɑːlˠwəlˠəɡəx/).
Does gallbholgach have a plural?
No plural form is given for gallbholgach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does gallbholgach change to ghallbholgach or ngallbholgach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gallbholgach becomes mo ghallbholgach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngallbholgach (eclipsis).
Does 'gallbholgach' have anything to do with 'bolgach'?
Yes, 'bolgach' means smallpox or pox, and 'gallbholgach' is literally 'foreign pox', the Irish name for syphilis.
