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Rap in Irish (Rap): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rap’ also means: rap music

The Irish for rap is rap, a masculine noun (plural rapanna).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “rap” in Irish

Irish:
rap
English:
rap, rap music
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“rap”  /ɾˠapˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
rapanna (raps)
Genitive singular:
rap, an rap (e.g. ceol rap, rap music)
Genitive plural:
rapanna, na rapanna (e.g. fuaim na rapanna ar an doras, the sound of the raps on the door)

What does “rap” mean?

“Rap” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

rap
A sharp knock or tap, for example on a door.Also: knock, tap.
1 other meaning: rap music
2rap music
A style of popular music in which words are spoken rhythmically over a beat.Also: rap, rapping.

Other Irish words for rap: cnag (knock), cnag (knock)

“Rap” with the article

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

an rap
the rap
No change after an
na rapanna
the raps
Plural: no change after na

“Rap” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rap, the Irish word for rap.

Chuala mé rap ar an doras.
I heard a knock on the door.
Is maith le mo dheartháir ceol rap.
My brother likes rap music.
Bhí an rap sin an-ghreannmhar.
That rap was very funny.
Scríobh sí rap i nGaeilge.
She wrote a rap in Irish.
Tá a lán rapanna nua ar an raidió.
There are lots of new raps on the radio.
Bhuail sé rap beag ar an bhfuinneog.
He gave a little tap on the window.
Bhí rap ag an bhfoireann sa chomórtas.
The team had a rap in the competition.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Rap in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rap?

The Irish for rap is rap (pronounced “rap”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rapanna. Depending on context it can also mean rap music.

How do you pronounce rap in Irish?

Rap is said like “rap” (IPA /ɾˠapˠ/).

What is the plural of rap in Irish?

The plural of rap is rapanna; with the article, na rapanna means “the raps”. The genitive plural is rapanna, as in fuaim na rapanna ar an doras (the sound of the raps on the door).

Does rap have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rap can mean rap or rap music, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'a knock on the door' in Irish?

'Rap' can be used, but 'cnag ar an doras' is the more usual everyday expression.

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