Taboo in Irish (Geis): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for taboo?

The Irish for taboo is geis (pronounced “gesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is geasa. Depending on context it can also mean spell.

Q: What is the plural of taboo in Irish?

The plural of geis is geasa; with the article, na geasa means “the taboos”. The genitive plural is geas, as in briseadh na ngeas (the breaking of the taboos).

Q: Does geis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Geis can mean taboo or spell, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “taboo” in Irish

Irish:: geis
English:: taboo, spell
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “gesh” /ɟɛʃ/

Various forms

Plural:: geasa (taboos)
Genitive singular:: geise, na geise (e.g. briseadh na geise, breaking of the taboo)
Genitive plural:: geas, na ngeas (e.g. briseadh na ngeas, the breaking of the taboos)

What does “geis” mean?

“Geis” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

taboo: A solemn prohibition, often magical, in old Irish tradition, the breaking of which brings misfortune or death.Also: geis, prohibition, injunction, bond.

1 other meaning: spell

2spell: A magical bond or charm placed on someone, compelling or forbidding an action.Also: charm, enchantment, bond.

“Geis” with the article

The plural of taboo in Irish is geasa. Here is geis after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gheis

the taboo

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na geasa

the taboos

Plural: no change after na

“Geis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using geis, the Irish word for taboo.

Bhí geis ar Chú Chulainn feoil madra a ithe.

Cú Chulainn was under a taboo against eating dog meat.

Bhris an rí an gheis agus fuair sé bás.

The king broke the taboo and he died.

Chuir sí faoi gheasa é dul léi.

She put him under a bond to go with her.

Tá go leor geasa sna seanscéalta Gaeilge.

There are many taboos in the old Irish tales.

Ní raibh a fhios aige faoi mhóras na geise.

He did not know how serious the taboo was.

Bhí an laoch i bponc mar gheall ar a gheasa.

The hero was in a fix because of his taboos.

Labhair an múinteoir faoi gheis Dhiarmada sa rang.

The teacher talked about Diarmaid's geis in class.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Taboo in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for taboo?

The Irish for taboo is geis (pronounced “gesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is geasa. Depending on context it can also mean spell.

How do you pronounce geis in Irish?

Geis is said like “gesh” (IPA /ɟɛʃ/).

What is the plural of taboo in Irish?

The plural of geis is geasa; with the article, na geasa means “the taboos”. The genitive plural is geas, as in briseadh na ngeas (the breaking of the taboos).

Does geis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Geis can mean taboo or spell, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does geis change to gheis or ngeis?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) geis becomes mo gheis (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngeis (eclipsis).

What does 'faoi gheasa' mean?

'Faoi gheasa' means under a spell or bound by solemn obligation, as in 'Chuir sí faoi gheasa é', she put him under bonds.

Is 'geis' used outside mythology?

Mostly it belongs to the old sagas, but it can be used figuratively for a strong personal rule or obligation.

Taboo in Irish (Geis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage