HeyRuaHow to say “mussel” in Irish
- Irish:
- iascán
- English:
- mussel, small fish
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “EE-uhs-kawn” /ˈiəskɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- iascáin (mussels)
- Genitive singular:
- iascáin, an iascáin (e.g. blas an iascáin, the taste of the mussel)
- Genitive plural:
- iascán, na n-iascán (e.g. sliogáin iascán, mussel shells)
What does “iascán” mean?
“Iascán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mussel
- A shellfish with a dark blue-black hinged shell that clings to rocks by the sea.Also: blue mussel, shellfish.
1 other meaning: small fish
- 2small fish
- A little fish; a diminutive of 'iasc'.Also: little fish, fishlet.
Other Irish words for mussel: diúilicín (mussel)
“Iascán” with the article
The plural of mussel in Irish is iascáin. Here is iascán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Iascán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using iascán, the Irish word for mussel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mussel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mussel?
The Irish for mussel is iascán (pronounced “EE-uhs-kawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is iascáin. Depending on context it can also mean small fish.
How do you pronounce iascán in Irish?
Iascán is said like “EE-uhs-kawn” (IPA /ˈiəskɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of mussel in Irish?
The plural of iascán is iascáin; with the article, na hiascáin means “the mussels”. The genitive plural is iascán, as in sliogáin iascán (mussel shells).
Does iascán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Iascán can mean mussel or small fish, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does iascán sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-iascán (the mussel), a hiascán (her mussel), a n-iascán (their mussel), na hiascáin (the mussels).
Is 'iascán' the usual word for mussel?
Both 'iascán' and 'diúilicín' mean mussel; 'diúilicín' is very common in menus and shops, while 'iascán' is widely used in coastal speech.
