HeyRua Get the app

Beacon in Irish (Rabhchán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rabhchán’ also means: warning

The Irish for beacon is rabhchán, a masculine noun (plural rabhcháin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “beacon” in Irish

Irish:
rabhchán
English:
beacon, warning
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“ROW-khawn”  /ˈɾˠəuxaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
rabhcháin (beacons)
Genitive singular:
rabhcháin, an rabhcháin (e.g. solas an rabhcháin, the light of the beacon)
Genitive plural:
rabhchán, na rabhchán (e.g. solas na rabhchán, the light of the beacons)

What does “rabhchán” mean?

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

beacon
A signal fire, light or other signal used to warn or guide people.Also: signal fire, warning light, signal.
1 other meaning: warning
2warning
A warning or alarm given to alert people to danger.Also: alarm, alert.

“Rabhchán” with the article

The plural of beacon in Irish is rabhcháin. Here is rabhchán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an rabhchán
the beacon
No change after an
na rabhcháin
the beacons
Plural: no change after na

“Rabhchán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rabhchán, the Irish word for beacon.

Lasadh rabhchán ar bharr an chnoic.
A beacon was lit on top of the hill.
Chonaic na mairnéalaigh an rabhchán ón bhfarraige.
The sailors saw the beacon from the sea.
Bhí solas an rabhcháin le feiceáil i bhfad uainn.
The beacon's light could be seen far away.
Lasadh rabhcháin ar fud na tíre an oíche sin.
Beacons were lit all over the country that night.
Tá rabhchán ar an gcarraig sin don loingseoireacht.
There is a beacon on that rock for navigation.
Thug an tine sin rabhchán don bhaile.
That fire gave a warning to the town.
Tá an rabhchán ina sheasamh sa chuan le céad bliain.
The beacon has stood in the harbour for a hundred years.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Beacon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for beacon?

The Irish for beacon is rabhchán (pronounced “ROW-khawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rabhcháin. Depending on context it can also mean warning.

How do you pronounce rabhchán in Irish?

Rabhchán is said like “ROW-khawn” (IPA /ˈɾˠəuxaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of beacon in Irish?

The plural of rabhchán is rabhcháin; with the article, na rabhcháin means “the beacons”. The genitive plural is rabhchán, as in solas na rabhchán (the light of the beacons).

Does rabhchán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rabhchán can mean beacon or warning, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between rabhchán and rabhadh?

Rabhadh is the ordinary word for a warning, while rabhchán usually means a beacon or signal light that gives a warning.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like rabhchán through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen