HeyRuaHow to say “garment” in Irish
- Irish:
- balcais
- English:
- garment, rag
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAL-kish” /ˈbˠal̪ˠkəʃ/
- Plural:
- balcaisí (garments)
- Genitive singular:
- balcaise, na balcaise (e.g. dath na balcaise, the colour of the garment)
- Genitive plural:
- balcaisí, na mbalcaisí (e.g. mála na mbalcaisí, the clothes bag)
What does “balcais” mean?
“Balcais” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- garment
- An article of clothing, often a rough or old one.Also: article of clothing, clothes, duds.
1 other meaning: rag
- 2rag
- A piece of cloth or a worn-out piece of clothing.Also: clout, piece of cloth, old clothes.
“Balcais” with the article
The plural of garment in Irish is balcaisí. Here is balcais after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Balcais” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using balcais, the Irish word for garment.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Garment in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for garment?
The Irish for garment is balcais (pronounced “BAL-kish”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is balcaisí. Depending on context it can also mean rag.
How do you pronounce balcais in Irish?
Balcais is said like “BAL-kish” (IPA /ˈbˠal̪ˠkəʃ/).
What is the plural of garment in Irish?
The plural of balcais is balcaisí; with the article, na balcaisí means “the garments”. The genitive plural is balcaisí, as in mála na mbalcaisí (the clothes bag).
Does balcais have more than one meaning?
Yes. Balcais can mean garment or rag, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does balcais change to bhalcais or mbalcais?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) balcais becomes mo bhalcais (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbalcais (eclipsis).
What is the difference between balcais and éadach?
Éadach is the usual word for cloth or clothes, while balcais is a single garment, often rough or old; the plural balcaisí is used informally for 'clothes, duds'.
