Bat in Irish (Slacán): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for bat?

The Irish for bat is slacán (pronounced “SLAH-kawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is slacáin. Depending on context it can also mean beetle.

Q: What is the plural of bat in Irish?

The plural of slacán is slacáin; with the article, na slacáin means “the bats”. The genitive plural is slacán, as in buille na slacán (the stroke of the bats).

Q: Does slacán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Slacán can mean bat or beetle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bat” in Irish

Irish:: slacán
English:: bat, beetle
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “SLAH-kawn” /ˈsl̪ˠakaːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: slacáin (bats)
Genitive singular:: slacáin, an tslacáin (e.g. lámh an tslacáin, the handle of the bat)
Genitive plural:: slacán, na slacán (e.g. buille na slacán, the stroke of the bats)

What does “slacán” mean?

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

bat: A bat or stick used for striking a ball in games such as cricket, baseball or rounders.Also: cricket bat, baseball bat, rounders bat.

1 other meaning: beetle

2beetle: A wooden mallet or beater, such as one used for beating clothes or flax.Also: mallet, beater, club.

Other Irish words for bat: ialtóg (bat)

“Slacán” with the article

The plural of bat in Irish is slacáin. Here is slacán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an slacán

the bat

No change after an

na slacáin

the bats

Plural: no change after na

“Slacán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using slacán, the Irish word for bat.

Cheannaigh mé slacán nua don chluiche.

I bought a new bat for the game.

Tabhair dom an slacán, le do thoil.

Give me the bat, please.

Bhris sé an slacán sa chluiche inné.

He broke the bat in the game yesterday.

Tá na slacáin sa bhosca sa halla.

The bats are in the box in the hall.

D'fhág mé mo shlacán ar an bpáirc.

I left my bat on the field.

Bhuail sí an liathróid go láidir leis an slacán.

She hit the ball hard with the bat.

Tá slacán cruicéid ag mo dheartháir.

My brother has a cricket bat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Bat in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bat?

The Irish for bat is slacán (pronounced “SLAH-kawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is slacáin. Depending on context it can also mean beetle.

How do you pronounce slacán in Irish?

Slacán is said like “SLAH-kawn” (IPA /ˈsl̪ˠakaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of bat in Irish?

The plural of slacán is slacáin; with the article, na slacáin means “the bats”. The genitive plural is slacán, as in buille na slacán (the stroke of the bats).

Does slacán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Slacán can mean bat or beetle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does slacán change to shlacán?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shlacán. After ár (our) it stays ár slacán, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between slacán and camán?

A slacán is a straight bat as in cricket or baseball, while a camán is the curved stick used in hurling.

Bat in Irish (Slacán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage