HeyRuaHow to say “mantle” in Irish
- Irish:
- matal
- English:
- mantle, mantelpiece
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAT-ul” /ˈmˠat̪ˠəlˠ/
- Plural:
- matail (mantles)
- Genitive singular:
- matail, an mhatail (e.g. ar bharr an mhatail, on top of the mantelpiece)
- Genitive plural:
- matal, na matal (e.g. imill na matal, the edges of the mantles)
What does “matal” mean?
“Matal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mantle
- A loose sleeveless cloak worn over other clothes.Also: cloak, cape.
“Matal” with the article
The plural of mantle in Irish is matail. Here is matal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Matal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using matal, the Irish word for mantle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mantle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mantle?
The Irish for mantle is matal (pronounced “MAT-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is matail. Depending on context it can also mean mantelpiece.
How do you pronounce matal in Irish?
Matal is said like “MAT-ul” (IPA /ˈmˠat̪ˠəlˠ/).
What is the plural of mantle in Irish?
The plural of matal is matail; with the article, na matail means “the mantles”. The genitive plural is matal, as in imill na matal (the edges of the mantles).
Does matal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Matal can mean mantle or mantelpiece, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does matal change to mhatal?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhatal. After ár (our) it stays ár matal, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'matal' only used for a fireplace shelf?
No, 'matal' can also mean a mantle or cloak, though for a cloak 'clóca' or 'fallaing' is more usual. For the shelf itself you can also say 'clár matail'.
