HeyRuaHow to say “wall” in Irish
- Irish:
- claí
- English:
- wall, dyke
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klee” /kl̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- claíocha (walls)
- Genitive singular:
- claí, an chlaí (e.g. barr an chlaí, the top of the wall)
- Genitive plural:
- claíocha, na gclaíocha (e.g. ag tógáil claíocha, building walls)
What does “claí” mean?
“Claí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wall
- A boundary wall around a field, often built of stones without mortar or of earth.Also: stone wall, dry-stone wall, field wall, fence.
1 other meaning: dyke
- 2dyke
- An earthen bank or raised mound of earth, often topped with a hedge, dividing fields.Also: bank, earthen bank, ditch, embankment.
Other Irish words for wall: balla (wall)
“Claí” with the article
The plural of wall in Irish is claíocha. Here is claí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Claí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using claí, the Irish word for wall.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wall in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wall?
The Irish for wall is claí (pronounced “klee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is claíocha. Depending on context it can also mean dyke.
How do you pronounce claí in Irish?
Claí is said like “klee” (IPA /kl̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of wall in Irish?
The plural of claí is claíocha; with the article, na claíocha means “the walls”. The genitive plural is claíocha, as in ag tógáil claíocha (building walls).
Does claí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Claí can mean wall or dyke, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does claí change to chlaí or gclaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) claí becomes mo chlaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gclaí (eclipsis).
What is the difference between claí and balla?
Claí is an outdoor field wall or earthen bank, typically a boundary, while balla is the wall of a building or a built wall generally.
What does 'bíonn cluasa ar na claíocha' mean?
It is a proverb meaning 'walls have ears', a warning that someone may be listening.
