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Small paw in Irish (Lapán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘lapán’ also means: flipper

The Irish for small paw is lapán, a masculine noun (plural lapáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “small paw” in Irish

Irish:
lapán
English:
small paw, flipper
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LAP-awn”  /ˈl̪ˠapˠaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
lapáin (small paws)
Genitive singular:
lapáin, an lapáin (e.g. barr an lapáin, the tip of the little paw)
Genitive plural:
lapán, na lapán (e.g. rianta na lapán, the tracks of the little paws)

What does “lapán” mean?

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

small paw
A little paw, such as the foot of a kitten, puppy or other small animal.Also: little paw, paw, pad.
1 other meaning: flipper
2flipper
A flat limb used for swimming, as on a seal, or a rubber fin worn on the foot by a swimmer or diver.Also: fin, swim fin, diving fin.

“Lapán” with the article

The plural of small paw in Irish is lapáin. Here is lapán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an lapán
the small paw
No change after an
na lapáin
the small paws
Plural: no change after na

“Lapán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using lapán, the Irish word for small paw.

Bhí lapán beag bán ar an bpuisín.
The kitten had a little white paw.
Chuir an madra a lapán ar mo ghlúin.
The dog put its little paw on my knee.
Ghortaigh an coileán a lapán sa sneachta.
The puppy hurt its paw in the snow.
Tá lapáin láidre ag an rón.
The seal has strong flippers.
Ná déan dearmad ar do lapáin don snámh.
Don't forget your flippers for swimming.
Cheannaigh mé péire nua lapán inné.
I bought a new pair of flippers yesterday.
Bhí rian an lapáin le feiceáil sa láib.
The print of the little paw could be seen in the mud.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Small paw in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for small paw?

The Irish for small paw is lapán (pronounced “LAP-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is lapáin. Depending on context it can also mean flipper.

How do you pronounce lapán in Irish?

Lapán is said like “LAP-awn” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠapˠaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of small paw in Irish?

The plural of lapán is lapáin; with the article, na lapáin means “the small paws”. The genitive plural is lapán, as in rianta na lapán (the tracks of the little paws).

Does lapán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Lapán can mean small paw or flipper, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'lapán' related to 'lapa'?

'Lapán' is the diminutive of 'lapa' (paw), so it means a small paw; it is also the usual word for a flipper.

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