HeyRuaHow to say “calf” in Irish
- Irish:
- colpa
- English:
- calf, handle of flail
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOL-puh” /ˈkɔlˠpˠə/
- Plural:
- colpaí (calves)
- Genitive singular:
- colpa, an cholpa (e.g. matán an cholpa, the calf muscle)
- Genitive plural:
- colpaí, na gcolpaí (e.g. matáin na gcolpaí, the calf muscles)
What does “colpa” mean?
“Colpa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- calf
- The fleshy back part of the leg between the knee and the ankle.Also: calf of leg, leg muscle.
“Colpa” with the article
The plural of calf in Irish is colpaí. Here is colpa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Colpa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using colpa, the Irish word for calf.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Calf in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for calf?
The Irish for calf is colpa (pronounced “KOL-puh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is colpaí. Depending on context it can also mean handle of flail.
How do you pronounce colpa in Irish?
Colpa is said like “KOL-puh” (IPA /ˈkɔlˠpˠə/).
What is the plural of calf in Irish?
The plural of colpa is colpaí; with the article, na colpaí means “the calves”. The genitive plural is colpaí, as in matáin na gcolpaí (the calf muscles).
Does colpa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Colpa can mean calf or handle of flail, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does colpa change to cholpa or gcolpa?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) colpa becomes mo cholpa (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcolpa (eclipsis).
Does 'colpa' mean a young cow?
No. 'Colpa' is the calf of the leg; a young cow is 'lao'.
