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Shank in Irish (Lorgán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘lorgán’ also means: thin leg

The Irish for shank is lorgán, a masculine noun (plural lorgáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “shank” in Irish

Irish:
lorgán
English:
shank, thin leg
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LUR-uh-gawn”  /ˈl̪ˠɔɾˠəɡaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
lorgáin (shanks)
Genitive singular:
lorgáin, an lorgáin (e.g. cnámh an lorgáin, the shinbone)
Genitive plural:
lorgán, na lorgán (e.g. fad na lorgán, the length of the shanks)

What does “lorgán” mean?

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

shank
The lower part of the leg, between the knee and the ankle; the shin or shank.Also: shin, lower leg, leg.
1 other meaning: thin leg
2thin leg
A long, thin leg, often used humorously or disparagingly of a person's legs.Also: spindly leg, skinny leg.

“Lorgán” with the article

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

an lorgán
the shank
No change after an
na lorgáin
the shanks
Plural: no change after na

“Lorgán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using lorgán, the Irish word for shank.

Bhuail an liathróid é ar an lorgán.
The ball hit him on the shin.
Tá pian i mo lorgán ó mhaidin.
I've had a pain in my shin since morning.
Bhí lorgáin fhada thanaí air.
He had long skinny legs.
Ghortaigh sí a lorgán ag imirt peile.
She hurt her shin playing football.
Bhí an t-uisce suas go dtí na lorgáin againn.
The water was up to our shins.
Bhris sé cnámh an lorgáin sa timpiste.
He broke his shinbone in the accident.
Cuir cosaint ar do lorgán sula n-imríonn tú.
Put protection on your shin before you play.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Shank in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shank?

The Irish for shank is lorgán (pronounced “LUR-uh-gawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is lorgáin. Depending on context it can also mean thin leg.

How do you pronounce lorgán in Irish?

Lorgán is said like “LUR-uh-gawn” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠɔɾˠəɡaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of shank in Irish?

The plural of lorgán is lorgáin; with the article, na lorgáin means “the shanks”. The genitive plural is lorgán, as in fad na lorgán (the length of the shanks).

Does lorgán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Lorgán can mean shank or thin leg, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'lorgán' and 'colpa'?

'Lorgán' is the shank or shin, the front and bony part of the lower leg, while 'colpa' is the calf at the back of the lower leg.

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