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Pack in Irish (Paca): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘paca’ also means: pack of cards

The Irish for pack is paca, a masculine noun (plural pacaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “pack” in Irish

Irish:
paca
English:
pack, pack of cards
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“PAH-kuh”  /ˈpˠakə/
Various forms
Plural:
pacaí (packs)
Genitive singular:
paca, an phaca (e.g. meáchan an phaca, the weight of the pack)
Genitive plural:
pacaí, na bpacaí (e.g. ag iompar pacaí, carrying packs)

What does “paca” mean?

“Paca” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

pack
A bundle of things tied or wrapped together to be carried, especially on the back.Also: bundle, backpack, load.
2 other meanings: pack of cards
2pack
A group or crowd of people or animals, often used disparagingly, as in a pack of rogues or a pack of hounds.Also: gang, crowd, bunch.
3pack of cards
A complete set of playing cards.Also: deck, deck of cards.

Other Irish words for pack: pacáil (pack), paicéad (packet)

“Paca” with the article

The plural of pack in Irish is pacaí. Here is paca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an paca
the pack
No change after an
na pacaí
the packs
Plural: no change after na

“Paca” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using paca, the Irish word for pack.

Bhí paca trom ar a dhroim aige.
He had a heavy pack on his back.
Leag an paca ar an urlár.
Put the pack down on the floor.
Tá mo phaca lán go béal.
My pack is full to the brim.
Bhí strapa an phaca briste.
The strap of the pack was broken.
Chuireamar na pacaí isteach sa charr.
We put the packs into the car.
Cuir an bia i do phaca.
Put the food in your pack.
An bhfuil paca cártaí agat?
Have you got a pack of cards?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Pack in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pack?

The Irish for pack is paca (pronounced “PAH-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is pacaí. Depending on context it can also mean pack of cards.

How do you pronounce paca in Irish?

Paca is said like “PAH-kuh” (IPA /ˈpˠakə/).

What is the plural of pack in Irish?

The plural of paca is pacaí; with the article, na pacaí means “the packs”. The genitive plural is pacaí, as in ag iompar pacaí (carrying packs).

Does paca have more than one meaning?

Yes. Paca can mean pack or pack of cards, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does paca change to phaca or bpaca?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) paca becomes mo phaca (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpaca (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'paca' and 'mála'?

'Mála' is a general word for a bag, while 'paca' is a pack or bundle carried as a load. 'Paca cártaí' means a pack of cards.

Can 'paca' describe people?

Yes, it can mean a gang or crowd, often disparagingly, e.g. 'paca bligeard', a pack of blackguards.

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