HeyRuaHow to say “lizard” in Irish
- Irish:
- earc
- English:
- lizard, newt
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ark” /aɾˠk/
- Plural:
- earca (lizards)
- Genitive singular:
- eirc, an eirc (e.g. eireaball an eirc, the lizard's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- earc, na n-earc (e.g. eireabaill na n-earc, the lizards' tails)
What does “earc” mean?
“Earc” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lizard
- A small reptile with four legs, a long tail and scaly skin, such as the common lizard found in Ireland.Also: common lizard, reptile.
1 other meaning: newt
- 2newt
- A small amphibian like a lizard that lives partly in water; usually called 'earc luachra'.Also: eft, amphibian.
Other Irish words for lizard: laghairt (lizard)
“Earc” with the article
The plural of lizard in Irish is earca. Here is earc after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Earc” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using earc, the Irish word for lizard.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lizard in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lizard?
The Irish for lizard is earc (pronounced “ark”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is earca. Depending on context it can also mean newt.
How do you pronounce earc in Irish?
Earc is said like “ark” (IPA /aɾˠk/).
What is the plural of lizard in Irish?
The plural of earc is earca; with the article, na hearca means “the lizards”. The genitive plural is earc, as in eireabaill na n-earc (the lizards' tails).
Does earc have more than one meaning?
Yes. Earc can mean lizard or newt, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does earc sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-earc (the lizard), a hearc (her lizard), a n-earc (their lizard), na hearca (the lizards).
What is the difference between 'earc' and 'laghairt'?
Both can mean lizard; 'laghairt' is the more general modern term, while 'earc' is the traditional word, with 'earc luachra' being the usual word for a newt.
