Rider in Irish (Marcach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for rider?

The Irish for rider is marcach (pronounced “MAR-kukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is marcaigh. Depending on context it can also mean jockey or cavalryman.

Q: What is the plural of rider in Irish?

The plural of marcach is marcaigh; with the article, na marcaigh means “the riders”. The genitive plural is marcach, as in capaill na marcach (the riders' horses).

Q: Does marcach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marcach can mean rider, jockey or cavalryman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “rider” in Irish

Irish:: marcach
English:: rider, jockey, cavalryman
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “MAR-kukh” /ˈmˠaɾˠkəx/

Various forms

Plural:: marcaigh (riders)
Genitive singular:: marcaigh, an mharcaigh (e.g. hata an mharcaigh, the rider's hat)
Genitive plural:: marcach, na marcach (e.g. capaill na marcach, the riders' horses)

What does “marcach” mean?

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

rider: A person who rides a horse; a horseman.Also: horseman, horse rider, equestrian.

2 other meanings: jockey or cavalryman

2jockey: A person who rides horses in races.Also: race rider.
3cavalryman: A soldier who fights on horseback; in the plural, cavalry.Also: cavalry, mounted soldier, trooper.

“Marcach” with the article

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

an marcach

the rider

No change after an

na marcaigh

the riders

Plural: no change after na

“Marcach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using marcach, the Irish word for rider.

Is marcach maith í mo dheirfiúr.

My sister is a good rider.

Thit an marcach den chapall.

The rider fell off the horse.

Bhuaigh an marcach óg an rás inné.

The young jockey won the race yesterday.

Bhí cóta dearg ar an marcach.

The rider was wearing a red coat.

Tháinig na marcaigh thar an gcnoc.

The horsemen came over the hill.

Ba é m'athair a mharcaigh an capall sin.

My father rode that horse.

Tá clú ar an marcach sin ar fud na tíre.

That jockey is famous throughout the country.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Rider in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rider?

The Irish for rider is marcach (pronounced “MAR-kukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is marcaigh. Depending on context it can also mean jockey or cavalryman.

How do you pronounce marcach in Irish?

Marcach is said like “MAR-kukh” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾˠkəx/).

What is the plural of rider in Irish?

The plural of marcach is marcaigh; with the article, na marcaigh means “the riders”. The genitive plural is marcach, as in capaill na marcach (the riders' horses).

Does marcach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marcach can mean rider, jockey or cavalryman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does marcach change to mharcach?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mharcach. After ár (our) it stays ár marcach, because m does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between marcach and marcaíocht?

Marcach is the person who rides, while marcaíocht is the act of riding, as in 'ag marcaíocht ar chapall'.

How do you say 'cavalry' in Irish?

You can use the plural 'marcaigh', but the collective word 'marcra' is also standard for cavalry.

Rider in Irish (Marcach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage