gealach
/ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx/feminine
The Irish word for moon is gealach. Wiktionary also lists éasca.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gealach | /ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx/ (Munster) /ˈɟalˠəx/ (Connacht) |
feminine |
| éasca | /ˈiːɑ̯sˠkə/ (Munster) /ˈeːsˠkə/ (Munster, Cork) |
masculine |
The term refers to the natural satellite of planet Earth.
Which one should you use?
While gealach is the standard term, an Ghealach is used specifically when referring to the Moon as the unique celestial body.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article to refer to the Moon as a specific celestial body, the form becomes an Ghealach.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx/
Did you know?
- In Irish folklore, the moon is often linked to the 'Otherworld', and certain phases of gealach were believed to be the best times for magical activities.
- The word gealach is closely related to the Irish word for 'bright' or 'white', reflecting the moon's luminosity.
- In traditional Irish poetry, gealach is frequently used as a metaphor for a pale or beautiful face, particularly in love poems.
Examples in context
- Tá an gealach ard san spéirThe moon is high in the sky.
- An raibh an gealach le feiceáil inné?Was the moon visible last night?
- Tá an gealach bán ag taitneamh.The white moon is shining.
- An bhfuil an gealach amach?Is the moon out?
Example conversation
Niamh and Cathal are looking at the night sky.
- NiamhBreathnaigh ar an gealach, a Chathail!Look at the moon, Cathal!
- CathalTá sé an-mhór anocht.It is very big tonight.
- NiamhIs breá liom an gealach.I love the moon.
- CathalIs breá liom é freisin.I love it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations and entries gealach, éasca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
