HeyRuaHow to say “son” in Irish
- Irish:
- mac
- English:
- son, son of (in surnames)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mok” /mˠak/
- Plural:
- mic (sons)
- Genitive singular:
- mic, an mhic (e.g. bean an mhic, the son's wife)
- Genitive plural:
- mac, na mac (e.g. clann na mac, the sons' children)
What does “mac” mean?
“Mac” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- son
- A male child of a parent.Also: boy, male child.
1 other meaning: son of (in surnames)
- 2son of (in surnames)
- Used as the first element of many Irish surnames, meaning 'son of'.Also: mac, son of, surname prefix.
“Mac” with the article
The plural of son in Irish is mic. Here is mac after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mac” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mac, the Irish word for son.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “mac”
Son in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for son?
The Irish for son is mac (pronounced “mok”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mic. Depending on context it can also mean son of (in surnames).
How do you pronounce mac in Irish?
Mac is said like “mok” (IPA /mˠak/).
What is the plural of son in Irish?
The plural of mac is mic; with the article, na mic means “the sons”. The genitive plural is mac, as in clann na mac (the sons' children).
Does mac have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mac can mean son or son of (in surnames), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mac change to mhac?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhac. After ár (our) it stays ár mac, because m does not take eclipsis.
Why do surnames use both Mac and Nic?
Mac means 'son of' and is used for men, while women use Nic (from iníon mhic), e.g. Seán Mac Cárthaigh but Máire Nic Cárthaigh.
Does 'mac léinn' mean 'son of learning'?
Literally yes, but mac léinn simply means 'student', male or female.
