moncaí
masculine
The English word "monkey" is translated into Irish as moncaí.
moncaí is a noun used to refer to the primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
moncaí is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- When using moncaí in a sentence, the word can change its initial letter through a process called mutation, which is a core feature of Irish grammar.
- Irish has no native prehistoric word for 'monkey' because primates were not indigenous to the islands of Ireland.
- While moncaí refers to the animal, the word moncaí is also used in some Irish dialects to describe a mischievous child.
Examples in context
- Chonaic mé moncaí sa leabhar.I saw monkeys in the book.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cian are visiting a zoo.
- NiamhSeo anáit na moncaí, a Chian!Here are the monkeys, Cian!
- CianTá siad ag rith timpeall!They are running around!
- NiamhIs iad an beirt is fearr liom.Those two are my favorites.
- CianTá siad go raibh craic.They are fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries moncaí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
