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Mirror in Irish (Scáthán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scáthán’ also means: centre of attraction

The Irish for mirror is scáthán, a masculine noun (plural scátháin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “mirror” in Irish

Irish:
scáthán
English:
mirror, centre of attraction
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“SKAW-hawn”  /ˈsˠkɑːhɑːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
scátháin (mirrors)
Genitive singular:
scátháin, an scátháin (e.g. fráma an scátháin, the frame of the mirror)
Genitive plural:
scáthán, na scáthán (e.g. siopa scáthán, a mirror shop)

What does “scáthán” mean?

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

mirror
A smooth glass surface that reflects images, used for looking at yourself.Also: looking glass, looking-glass.
1 other meaning: centre of attraction
2centre of attraction
Figuratively, a person or thing that everyone looks at or admires.Also: cynosure, object of admiration.

“Scáthán” with the article

The plural of mirror in Irish is scátháin. Here is scáthán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an scáthán
the mirror
No change after an
na scátháin
the mirrors
Plural: no change after na

“Scáthán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scáthán, the Irish word for mirror.

Feicim mé féin sa scáthán.
I see myself in the mirror.
Tá scáthán mór ar an mballa sa halla.
There's a big mirror on the wall in the hall.
Bhris sí an scáthán de thimpiste.
She broke the mirror by accident.
Bhí sé ag féachaint air féin i scáthán an chairr.
He was looking at himself in the car mirror.
Ghlan mé gloine an scátháin ar maidin.
I cleaned the glass of the mirror this morning.
Tá scátháin ar gach balla sa seomra seo.
There are mirrors on every wall in this room.
Cá bhfuil mo scáthán láimhe?
Where is my hand mirror?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Mirror in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mirror?

The Irish for mirror is scáthán (pronounced “SKAW-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is scátháin. Depending on context it can also mean centre of attraction.

How do you pronounce scáthán in Irish?

Scáthán is said like “SKAW-hawn” (IPA /ˈsˠkɑːhɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of mirror in Irish?

The plural of scáthán is scátháin; with the article, na scátháin means “the mirrors”. The genitive plural is scáthán, as in siopa scáthán (a mirror shop).

Does scáthán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scáthán can mean mirror or centre of attraction, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is scáthán related to scáth?

Yes, scáthán comes from scáth, meaning shadow or reflection; scáthán is the reflecting object, the mirror.

How do I say 'rear-view mirror' in Irish?

The usual term is scáthán siar, or scáthán cúil in some sources.

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