Waiter in Irish (Freastalaí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for waiter?

The Irish for waiter is freastalaí (pronounced “FRAS-tuh-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is freastalaithe. Depending on context it can also mean attendant or server.

Q: What is the plural of waiter in Irish?

The plural of freastalaí is freastalaithe; with the article, na freastalaithe means “the waiters”. The genitive plural is freastalaithe, as in pá na bhfreastalaithe (the waiters' pay).

Q: Does freastalaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Freastalaí can mean waiter, attendant or server, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “waiter” in Irish

Irish:: freastalaí
English:: waiter, attendant, server
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FRAS-tuh-lee” /ˈfʲɾʲasˠt̪ˠəl̪ˠiː/

Various forms

Plural:: freastalaithe (waiters)
Genitive singular:: freastalaí, an fhreastalaí (e.g. éide an fhreastalaí, the waiter's uniform)
Genitive plural:: freastalaithe, na bhfreastalaithe (e.g. pá na bhfreastalaithe, the waiters' pay)

What does “freastalaí” mean?

“Freastalaí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

waiter: A person who serves food and drink to customers in a restaurant, café or hotel.Also: waitress, server.

2 other meanings: attendant or server

2attendant: A person who attends to or serves others, such as a helper or steward.Also: helper, steward.
3server: A computer that provides data or services to other computers on a network.Also: computer server, web server.

“Freastalaí” with the article

The plural of waiter in Irish is freastalaithe. Here is freastalaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an freastalaí

the waiter

No change after an

na freastalaithe

the waiters

Plural: no change after na

“Freastalaí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using freastalaí, the Irish word for waiter.

Tá mé ag obair mar fhreastalaí i mbialann.

I'm working as a waiter in a restaurant.

Ghlaoigh sí ar an bhfreastalaí.

She called the waiter over.

Thug mé síneadh láimhe don fhreastalaí.

I gave the waiter a tip.

Bhí na freastalaithe an-chairdiúil anocht.

The waiters were very friendly tonight.

Bhí mo dheartháir ina fhreastalaí sa samhradh.

My brother was a waiter in the summer.

Tá fadhb leis an bhfreastalaí ríomhphoist inniu.

There's a problem with the email server today.

Bhí ainm an fhreastalaí scríofa ar an mbille.

The waiter's name was written on the bill.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

ceathrúquarter mílemile scríbhneoirwriter miandesire nuachtánnewspaper glacadhtaking

Waiter in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for waiter?

The Irish for waiter is freastalaí (pronounced “FRAS-tuh-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is freastalaithe. Depending on context it can also mean attendant or server.

How do you pronounce freastalaí in Irish?

Freastalaí is said like “FRAS-tuh-lee” (IPA /ˈfʲɾʲasˠt̪ˠəl̪ˠiː/).

What is the plural of waiter in Irish?

The plural of freastalaí is freastalaithe; with the article, na freastalaithe means “the waiters”. The genitive plural is freastalaithe, as in pá na bhfreastalaithe (the waiters' pay).

Does freastalaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Freastalaí can mean waiter, attendant or server, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does freastalaí change to fhreastalaí or bhfreastalaí?

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

Is there a separate word for a waitress?

Yes, 'banfhreastalaí' means waitress, though 'freastalaí' is widely used for anyone who waits tables.

Which verb is 'freastalaí' related to?

It comes from 'freastail', to attend or serve, as in 'freastal ar scoil' (attend school) or 'freastal ar dhuine' (serve someone).

Waiter in Irish (Freastalaí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage