HeyRuaHow to say “owl” in Irish
- Irish:
- ulchabhán
- English:
- owl
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UL-uh-khuh-vawn” /ˈʊlˠəxəwaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- ulchabháin (owls)
- Genitive singular:
- ulchabháin, an ulchabháin (e.g. súile an ulchabháin, the owl's eyes)
- Genitive plural:
- ulchabhán, na n-ulchabhán (e.g. nead ulchabhán, an owls' nest)
What does “ulchabhán” mean?
- owl
- A bird of prey with large eyes and a round face that hunts at night.Also: barn owl, night bird.
“Ulchabhán” with the article
The plural of owl in Irish is ulchabháin. Here is ulchabhán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ulchabhán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ulchabhán, the Irish word for owl.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Owl in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for owl?
The Irish for owl is ulchabhán (pronounced “UL-uh-khuh-vawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ulchabháin.
How do you pronounce ulchabhán in Irish?
Ulchabhán is said like “UL-uh-khuh-vawn” (IPA /ˈʊlˠəxəwaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of owl in Irish?
The plural of ulchabhán is ulchabháin; with the article, na hulchabháin means “the owls”. The genitive plural is ulchabhán, as in nead ulchabhán (an owls' nest).
Why does ulchabhán sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ulchabhán (the owl), a hulchabhán (her owl), a n-ulchabhán (their owl), na hulchabháin (the owls).
Is there another Irish word for owl?
Yes, 'scréachóg reilige' is a traditional name for the barn owl, but 'ulchabhán' is the standard general word.
