HeyRuaHow to say “billy goat” in Irish
- Irish:
- pocán
- English:
- billy goat
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “puk-AWN” /pˠʊˈkɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- pocáin (billy goats)
- Genitive singular:
- pocáin, an phocáin (e.g. adharca an phocáin, the billy goat's horns)
- Genitive plural:
- pocán, na bpocán (e.g. adharca na bpocán, the billy goats' horns)
What does “pocán” mean?
- billy goat
- A male goat.Also: he-goat, male goat, buck.
“Pocán” with the article
The plural of billy goat in Irish is pocáin. Here is pocán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Pocán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using pocán, the Irish word for billy goat.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Billy goat in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for billy goat?
The Irish for billy goat is pocán (pronounced “puk-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is pocáin.
How do you pronounce pocán in Irish?
Pocán is said like “puk-AWN” (IPA /pˠʊˈkɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of billy goat in Irish?
The plural of pocán is pocáin; with the article, na pocáin means “the billy goats”. The genitive plural is pocán, as in adharca na bpocán (the billy goats' horns).
Why does pocán change to phocán or bpocán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) pocán becomes mo phocán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpocán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'pocán' and 'poc'?
Both can mean a billy goat, but 'poc' is the word used in 'Aonach an Phoic' (Puck Fair). 'Poc' also means a puck or blow, for example in hurling.
What is the word for a female goat?
A female goat is 'gabhar baineann' or 'minseach', and a kid is 'meannán'.
