HeyRuaHow to say “ochre” in Irish
- Irish:
- ócar
- English:
- ochre, ochre colour
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OH-kur” /ˈoːkəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- ócair (ochres)
- Genitive singular:
- ócair, an ócair (e.g. dath an ócair, the colour of ochre)
- Genitive plural:
- ócar, na n-ócar (e.g. úsáid na n-ócar, the use of ochres)
What does “ócar” mean?
“Ócar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ochre
- A natural earthy pigment, usually yellow, brown or red, made from clay containing iron oxide.Also: ocher, yellow ochre, earth pigment.
1 other meaning: ochre colour
- 2ochre colour
- The pale brownish-yellow colour of ochre.Also: ochre, brownish yellow.
“Ócar” with the article
The plural of ochre in Irish is ócair. Here is ócar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ócar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ócar, the Irish word for ochre.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ochre in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ochre?
The Irish for ochre is ócar (pronounced “OH-kur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ócair. Depending on context it can also mean ochre colour.
How do you pronounce ócar in Irish?
Ócar is said like “OH-kur” (IPA /ˈoːkəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of ochre in Irish?
The plural of ócar is ócair; with the article, na hócair means “the ochres”. The genitive plural is ócar, as in úsáid na n-ócar (the use of ochres).
Does ócar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ócar can mean ochre or ochre colour, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ócar sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ócar (the ochre), a hócar (her ochre), a n-ócar (their ochre), na hócair (the ochres).
Can 'ócar' be used as a colour word?
Yes, it is a noun, but it can describe colour, as in 'dath an ócair' (ochre colour); there is also an adjective 'ócarach' meaning ochreous.
