HeyRuaHow to say “stalk” in Irish
- Irish:
- gasán
- English:
- stalk, sprig
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “GAS-awn” /ˈɡasˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- gasáin (stalks)
- Genitive singular:
- gasáin, an ghasáin (e.g. barr an ghasáin, the top of the stalk)
- Genitive plural:
- gasán, na ngasán (e.g. dornán gasán, a handful of stalks)
What does “gasán” mean?
“Gasán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stalk
- The thin main stem of a plant, or the stem of a leaf or flower.Also: stem, stem of plant, shoot.
1 other meaning: sprig
- 2sprig
- A small shoot or sprig of a plant, or a slender young person.Also: shoot, slip of a person.
Other Irish words for stalk: gas (stalk)
“Gasán” with the article
The plural of stalk in Irish is gasáin. Here is gasán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gasán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gasán, the Irish word for stalk.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stalk in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stalk?
The Irish for stalk is gasán (pronounced “GAS-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gasáin. Depending on context it can also mean sprig.
How do you pronounce gasán in Irish?
Gasán is said like “GAS-awn” (IPA /ˈɡasˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of stalk in Irish?
The plural of gasán is gasáin; with the article, na gasáin means “the stalks”. The genitive plural is gasán, as in dornán gasán (a handful of stalks).
Does gasán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gasán can mean stalk or sprig, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gasán change to ghasán or ngasán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gasán becomes mo ghasán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngasán (eclipsis).
How is 'gasán' related to 'gas'?
'Gasán' is the diminutive of 'gas' (stalk, stem), and in practice both are used for a plant stem, with 'gasán' often suggesting something smaller or more slender.
