HeyRuaHow to say “paw” in Irish
- Irish:
- lapa
- English:
- paw, flipper, hand
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “LAH-puh” /ˈl̪ˠapˠə/
- Plural:
- lapaí (paws)
- Genitive singular:
- lapa, an lapa (e.g. rian lapa an mhadra, the mark of the dog's paw)
- Genitive plural:
- lapaí, na lapaí (e.g. rianta lapaí sa sneachta, tracks of paws in the snow)
What does “lapa” mean?
“Lapa” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- paw
- The foot of an animal such as a dog or cat that has claws or pads.Also: animal foot, pad.
2 other meanings: flipper or hand
- 2flipper
- The webbed foot of a bird or the flipper of a seal or similar sea animal.Also: webbed foot, fin.
- 3hand
- A person's hand, used humorously or disparagingly, like 'paw' in English.Also: paw, mitt.
“Lapa” with the article
The plural of paw in Irish is lapaí. Here is lapa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Lapa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using lapa, the Irish word for paw.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Paw in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for paw?
The Irish for paw is lapa (pronounced “LAH-puh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is lapaí. Depending on context it can also mean flipper or hand.
How do you pronounce lapa in Irish?
Lapa is said like “LAH-puh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠapˠə/).
What is the plural of paw in Irish?
The plural of lapa is lapaí; with the article, na lapaí means “the paws”. The genitive plural is lapaí, as in rianta lapaí sa sneachta (tracks of paws in the snow).
Does lapa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Lapa can mean paw, flipper or hand, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'lapa' and 'crúb'?
'Lapa' is a soft paw or webbed foot, as on a dog, cat or duck, while 'crúb' is a hoof or claw-like foot, as on a horse or cow.
