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 phrase refers to a male child.
Which one should you use?
balach is the singular form, while balachan is the plural form used to refer to boys. gille is another masculine noun used for boy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Western Isles, the term gille beag is used to mean little boy or wee boy. In the Highlands, the term gille òg is used to mean young boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
balach is a masculine noun. Its plural form is balachan. gille is also a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥al̪ˠəx/
Did you know?
- The word balach originally had a much less complimentary meaning, originating from a Middle Irish term for a 'clown' or a 'churl'.
- The term gille was historically used to denote a servant or youth in a specific social role, not just a biological boy.
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
- Is e balach mòr a th' ann.He is a big boy.
Example conversation
Mairead and Finlay are talking about a neighbor's child.
- MaireadCoinneamh an bhalach ùr?Did you meet the new boy?
- FinlayCha do dhèan mi.I did not.
- MaireadTha am balach sin gu sgoinneil.That boy is wonderful.
- FinlayTha mi airson a choinneachadh.I want to meet him.
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.
