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Equal in Irish (Leathbhreac): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leathbhreac’ also means: copy

The Irish for equal is leathbhreac, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “equal” in Irish

Irish:
leathbhreac
English:
equal, copy
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“LAH-vrak”  /ˈlʲahvʲɾʲak/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leathbhric, an leathbhric (e.g. ag lorg leathbhric, looking for an equal)

What does “leathbhreac” mean?

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

equal
A person or thing that matches or is the equal of another; a counterpart or match.Also: match, counterpart, like, peer.
1 other meaning: copy
2copy
A duplicate or copy of something, such as a document.Also: duplicate, replica.

Other Irish words for equal: macasamhail (like)

“Leathbhreac” with the article

Here is leathbhreac after the article (an t-alt).

an leathbhreac
the equal
No change after an

“Leathbhreac” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leathbhreac, the Irish word for equal.

Ní raibh a leathbhreac le fáil in Éirinn.
His equal was not to be found in Ireland.
Ní fhaca mé a leathbhreac riamh.
I never saw the like of it.
Coinnigh leathbhreac den litir sin.
Keep a copy of that letter.
Tá leathbhreac na heochrach agam sa bhaile.
I have a duplicate of the key at home.
Níl a leathbhreac ann ag imirt fichille.
There's nobody to match him at chess.
Fuair sí leathbhreac den chonradh ón dlíodóir.
She got a copy of the contract from the solicitor.
Níl a leathbhreac de theach ar an mbaile.
There's no house like it in the town.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Equal in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for equal?

The Irish for equal is leathbhreac (pronounced “LAH-vrak”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean copy.

How do you pronounce leathbhreac in Irish?

Leathbhreac is said like “LAH-vrak” (IPA /ˈlʲahvʲɾʲak/).

Does leathbhreac have a plural?

No plural form is given for leathbhreac in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does leathbhreac have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leathbhreac can mean equal or copy, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'leathbhreac' typically used?

It most often appears with a possessive in negative statements, for example 'ní fhaca mé a leathbhreac', meaning 'I never saw its like'.

Is 'leathbhreac' the same as 'cóip'?

Both can mean a copy, but 'cóip' is the usual word for a copy of a document, while 'leathbhreac' more often means an equal or a matching counterpart.

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