Purse in Irish (Sparán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for purse?

The Irish for purse is sparán (pronounced “spuh-RAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sparáin. Depending on context it can also mean sporran or funds.

Q: What is the plural of purse in Irish?

The plural of sparán is sparáin; with the article, na sparáin means “the purses”. The genitive plural is sparán, as in díoltóir na sparán (the purse seller).

Q: Does sparán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sparán can mean purse, sporran or funds, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “purse” in Irish

Irish:: sparán
English:: purse, sporran, funds
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “spuh-RAWN” /spəˈɾˠɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: sparáin (purses)
Genitive singular:: sparáin, an sparáin (e.g. béal an sparáin, the mouth of the purse)
Genitive plural:: sparán, na sparán (e.g. díoltóir na sparán, the purse seller)

What does “sparán” mean?

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

purse: A small bag or pouch for carrying money.Also: wallet, money bag, pouch.

2 other meanings: sporran or funds

2sporran: The pouch worn at the front of a Scottish kilt.Also: kilt pouch.
3funds: Figuratively, a person's or body's money or financial resources.Also: finances, means, resources.

Other Irish words for purse: spaga (purse)

“Sparán” with the article

The plural of purse in Irish is sparáin. Here is sparán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an sparán

the purse

No change after an

na sparáin

the purses

Plural: no change after na

“Sparán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sparán, the Irish word for purse.

Chaill mé mo sparán ar an mbus inné.

I lost my purse on the bus yesterday.

Tá an sparán folamh arís.

The purse is empty again.

Bhí fiche euro i mo sparán.

I had twenty euro in my purse.

Chuir sí an t-airgead isteach sa sparán.

She put the money into the purse.

Ní raibh pingin rua i mbun an sparáin.

There wasn't a penny left at the bottom of the purse.

Díoltar sparáin leathair sa siopa sin.

Leather purses are sold in that shop.

Tá sparán trom aige.

He has plenty of money.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

lámhhand níthing láthairsite mímonth cáscase cáscase

Purse in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for purse?

The Irish for purse is sparán (pronounced “spuh-RAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sparáin. Depending on context it can also mean sporran or funds.

How do you pronounce sparán in Irish?

Sparán is said like “spuh-RAWN” (IPA /spəˈɾˠɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of purse in Irish?

The plural of sparán is sparáin; with the article, na sparáin means “the purses”. The genitive plural is sparán, as in díoltóir na sparán (the purse seller).

Does sparán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sparán can mean purse, sporran or funds, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is 'sparán' a purse or a wallet?

'Sparán' covers both in everyday speech; a flat wallet for notes can be called 'sparán nótaí' or 'vallait'.

What does 'sparán trom' mean?

Literally 'a heavy purse', 'sparán trom' means having plenty of money, while 'sparán éadrom' means being short of money.

Purse in Irish (Sparán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage