Cavalry in Irish (Marcra): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cavalry?

The Irish for cavalry is marcra (pronounced “MAR-kruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is marcraí. Depending on context it can also mean riders.

Q: What is the plural of cavalry in Irish?

The plural of marcra is marcraí; with the article, na marcraí means “the cavalries”. The genitive plural is marcraí, as in stair na marcraí (the history of the cavalries).

Q: Does marcra have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marcra can mean cavalry or riders, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cavalry” in Irish

Irish:: marcra
English:: cavalry, riders
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “MAR-kruh” /ˈmˠaɾˠkɾˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: marcraí (cavalries)
Genitive singular:: marcra, an mharcra (e.g. ceannasaí an mharcra, commander of the cavalry)
Genitive plural:: marcraí, na marcraí (e.g. stair na marcraí, the history of the cavalries)

What does “marcra” mean?

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

cavalry: Soldiers who fight on horseback, considered as a body.Also: horse soldiers, mounted troops, horse.

1 other meaning: riders

2riders: A group or company of horsemen or riders, a cavalcade.Also: horsemen, cavalcade, mounted company.

“Marcra” with the article

The plural of cavalry in Irish is marcraí. Here is marcra after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an marcra

the cavalry

No change after an

na marcraí

the cavalries

Plural: no change after na

“Marcra” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using marcra, the Irish word for cavalry.

Tháinig an marcra thar an gcnoc go tobann.

The cavalry suddenly came over the hill.

Bhí marcra mór ag an rí.

The king had a large cavalry.

Bhí a sheanathair sa mharcra.

His grandfather was in the cavalry.

Chualamar fuaim chrúba an mharcra.

We heard the sound of the cavalry's hooves.

Ní raibh capall maith ag gach fear den mharcra.

Not every man in the cavalry had a good horse.

Bhí na marcraí réidh don ionsaí.

The cavalry units were ready for the attack.

Chuir an ginearál an marcra chun tosaigh.

The general sent the cavalry forward.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Cavalry in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cavalry?

The Irish for cavalry is marcra (pronounced “MAR-kruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is marcraí. Depending on context it can also mean riders.

How do you pronounce marcra in Irish?

Marcra is said like “MAR-kruh” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾˠkɾˠə/).

What is the plural of cavalry in Irish?

The plural of marcra is marcraí; with the article, na marcraí means “the cavalries”. The genitive plural is marcraí, as in stair na marcraí (the history of the cavalries).

Does marcra have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marcra can mean cavalry or riders, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does marcra change to mharcra?

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

What is the difference between 'marcra' and 'marcach'?

'Marcach' is a single rider or horseman, while 'marcra' is a collective noun for cavalry or a body of riders.

Cavalry in Irish (Marcra): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage