Tribe in Irish (Treibh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for tribe?

The Irish for tribe is treibh (pronounced “trev”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is treibheanna. Depending on context it can also mean household.

Q: What is the plural of tribe in Irish?

The plural of treibh is treibheanna; with the article, na treibheanna means “the tribes”. The genitive plural is treibheanna, as in nósanna na dtreibheanna (customs of the tribes).

Q: Does treibh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Treibh can mean tribe or household, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “tribe” in Irish

Irish:: treibh
English:: tribe, household
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “trev” /tʲɾʲevʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: treibheanna (tribes)
Genitive singular:: treibhe, na treibhe (e.g. taoiseach na treibhe, chief of the tribe)
Genitive plural:: treibheanna, na dtreibheanna (e.g. nósanna na dtreibheanna, customs of the tribes)

What does “treibh” mean?

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

tribe: A group of people or families descended from a common ancestor and sharing customs.Also: clan, people, family group.

1 other meaning: household

2household: A house and the family living in it; a homestead (literary or older usage).Also: family, homestead.

“Treibh” with the article

The plural of tribe in Irish is treibheanna. Here is treibh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an treibh

the tribe

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na treibheanna

the tribes

Plural: no change after na

“Treibh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using treibh, the Irish word for tribe.

Is treibh ársa iad a mhair sna sléibhte.

They are an ancient tribe who lived in the mountains.

Bhí an treibh ag bogadh ó áit go háit.

The tribe was moving from place to place.

Labhair seanóir na treibhe leis an slua.

The elder of the tribe spoke to the crowd.

Tá go leor treibheanna dúchasacha sa tír sin.

There are many indigenous tribes in that country.

Bhí troid idir an dá threibh le blianta.

The two tribes had been fighting for years.

Is ball den treibh seo é ó rugadh é.

He has been a member of this tribe since birth.

Scríobh sí leabhar faoi threibheanna na hAfraice.

She wrote a book about the tribes of Africa.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Tribe in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tribe?

The Irish for tribe is treibh (pronounced “trev”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is treibheanna. Depending on context it can also mean household.

How do you pronounce treibh in Irish?

Treibh is said like “trev” (IPA /tʲɾʲevʲ/).

What is the plural of tribe in Irish?

The plural of treibh is treibheanna; with the article, na treibheanna means “the tribes”. The genitive plural is treibheanna, as in nósanna na dtreibheanna (customs of the tribes).

Does treibh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Treibh can mean tribe or household, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does treibh change to threibh or dtreibh?

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

What is the difference between treibh and clann?

Treibh means a tribe, a larger people group, while clann usually means children or a family clan descended from one person.

Tribe in Irish (Treibh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage