Warrior in Irish (Gaiscíoch): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for warrior?

The Irish for warrior is gaiscíoch (pronounced “GASH-kee-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gaiscígh. Depending on context it can also mean boaster.

Q: What is the plural of warrior in Irish?

The plural of gaiscíoch is gaiscígh; with the article, na gaiscígh means “the warriors”. The genitive plural is gaiscíoch, as in scéalta na ngaiscíoch (stories of the warriors).

Q: Does gaiscíoch have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaiscíoch can mean warrior or boaster, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “warrior” in Irish

Irish:: gaiscíoch
English:: warrior, boaster
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GASH-kee-ukh” /ˈɡaʃciːx/

Various forms

Plural:: gaiscígh (warriors)
Genitive singular:: gaiscígh, an ghaiscígh (e.g. claíomh an ghaiscígh, the warrior's sword)
Genitive plural:: gaiscíoch, na ngaiscíoch (e.g. scéalta na ngaiscíoch, stories of the warriors)

What does “gaiscíoch” mean?

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

warrior: A brave fighting man, especially a hero of great prowess in arms.Also: hero, champion, man of prowess.

1 other meaning: boaster

2boaster: A person who brags about his own bravery or deeds.Also: braggart, show-off.

Other Irish words for warrior: laoch (warrior), trodaí (fighter)

“Gaiscíoch” with the article

The plural of warrior in Irish is gaiscígh. Here is gaiscíoch after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gaiscíoch

the warrior

No change after an

na gaiscígh

the warriors

Plural: no change after na

“Gaiscíoch” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gaiscíoch, the Irish word for warrior.

Bhí sé ina ghaiscíoch mór san am fadó.

He was a great warrior long ago.

Throid an gaiscíoch go cróga in aghaidh an namhad.

The warrior fought bravely against the enemy.

Is gaiscíoch é Cú Chulainn sna seanscéalta.

Cú Chulainn is a hero in the old tales.

Chonaiceamar uaigh an ghaiscígh ar an gcnoc.

We saw the warrior's grave on the hill.

Tháinig na gaiscígh ar ais ón gcath.

The warriors came back from the battle.

Ná bí ag ligean ort gur gaiscíoch thú.

Don't be pretending you're a hero.

Léigh mé leabhar faoi ghaiscígh na Fiannaíochta.

I read a book about the warriors of the Fenian cycle.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

sagartpriest liostalist cosaintdefence aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord

Warrior in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for warrior?

The Irish for warrior is gaiscíoch (pronounced “GASH-kee-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gaiscígh. Depending on context it can also mean boaster.

How do you pronounce gaiscíoch in Irish?

Gaiscíoch is said like “GASH-kee-ukh” (IPA /ˈɡaʃciːx/).

What is the plural of warrior in Irish?

The plural of gaiscíoch is gaiscígh; with the article, na gaiscígh means “the warriors”. The genitive plural is gaiscíoch, as in scéalta na ngaiscíoch (stories of the warriors).

Does gaiscíoch have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaiscíoch can mean warrior or boaster, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gaiscíoch change to ghaiscíoch or ngaiscíoch?

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

What is the difference between gaiscíoch and laoch?

Both mean hero or warrior; laoch is the commoner word for a hero, while gaiscíoch stresses deeds of valour (gaisce) and can also mean a boaster.

How is gaiscíoch related to gaisce?

Gaisce means a feat or exploit, so a gaiscíoch is one who does gaisce; 'ag déanamh gaisce' can also mean showing off.

Warrior in Irish (Gaiscíoch): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage