HeyRuaHow to say “mat” in Irish
- Irish:
- mata
- English:
- mat, table mat
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAT-uh” /ˈmˠat̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- mataí (mats)
- Genitive singular:
- mata, an mhata (e.g. dath an mhata, the colour of the mat)
- Genitive plural:
- mataí, na mataí (e.g. praghas na mataí, the price of the mats)
What does “mata” mean?
“Mata” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mat
- A piece of thick material placed on the floor, for example at a door or for exercise.Also: doormat, rug, floor mat.
1 other meaning: table mat
- 2table mat
- A small flat mat put under a plate, glass or hot dish on a table.Also: place mat, coaster.
Other Irish words for mat: ruga (rug)
“Mata” with the article
The plural of mat in Irish is mataí. Here is mata after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mata” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mata, the Irish word for mat.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mat in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mat?
The Irish for mat is mata (pronounced “MAT-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mataí. Depending on context it can also mean table mat.
How do you pronounce mata in Irish?
Mata is said like “MAT-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠat̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of mat in Irish?
The plural of mata is mataí; with the article, na mataí means “the mats”. The genitive plural is mataí, as in praghas na mataí (the price of the mats).
Does mata have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mata can mean mat or table mat, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mata change to mhata?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhata. After ár (our) it stays ár mata, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'mata' and 'brat urláir'?
A 'mata' is a small mat, such as a 'mata dorais' at the door, while 'brat urláir' or 'cairpéad' covers a larger floor area as a carpet.
