balach
/ˈb̥al̪ˠəx/masculine
The Gaelic word for boy is balach. Wiktionary also lists balachan and gille.
Meaning: male child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balach | /ˈb̥al̪ˠəx/ /ˈb̥alˠəx/ |
masculine |
| balachan | masculine | |
| gille | /ˈkʲiʎə/ | masculine |
The term is used to refer to a male child. In informal speech, you might also hear the phrase a leanbh, which translates to 'my child', used to refer to a boy.
Which one should you use?
balach refers to a boy, whereas gille is another common term used for a boy or a young man, often carrying the sense of 'lad' or 'youth'.
How does it change in a sentence?
balachan is the plural form of balach, meaning 'boys'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥al̪ˠəx/
Did you know?
- The word balach has a surprising history, originating from a Middle Irish word meaning 'clown' or 'churl'.
- The word gille is frequently used in Scottish place names and surnames to denote a servant or attendant of a saint.
Examples in context
- An e balach no nighean a th' ann?Is it a boy or a girl?This sentence is useful for asking whether a child is a balach or a girl.Tatoeba #1516311 by Cainntear, translation #276835 by CK
- Tha an balach a' ruith.The boy is running.
- Is e balach math a th' ann.He is a good boy.
Example conversation
Callum and Eilidh are looking at an old family photo.
- CallumCo dhiu an balach seo?Who is this boy?
- EilidhIs e mo bràthair a th' ann.That is my brother.
- CallumTha e coltach ri thu.He looks like you.
- EilidhTha, 's e balach sgoileil a bh' e.Yes, he was a clever boy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boy” translations and entries balach, balachan, gille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balach, balachan, gille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
