HeyRuaHow to say “stick” in Irish
- Irish:
- bata
- English:
- stick, baton
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAH-tuh” /ˈbˠat̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- bataí (sticks)
- Genitive singular:
- bata, an bhata (e.g. barr an bhata, the top of the stick)
- Genitive plural:
- bataí, na mbataí (e.g. ceangal na mbataí, the bundle of sticks)
What does “bata” mean?
“Bata” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stick
- A long thin piece of wood, especially one used for walking or for hitting.Also: walking stick, cane, cudgel.
“Bata” with the article
The plural of stick in Irish is bataí. Here is bata after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bata” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bata, the Irish word for stick.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stick in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stick?
The Irish for stick is bata (pronounced “BAH-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bataí. Depending on context it can also mean baton.
How do you pronounce bata in Irish?
Bata is said like “BAH-tuh” (IPA /ˈbˠat̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of stick in Irish?
The plural of bata is bataí; with the article, na bataí means “the sticks”. The genitive plural is bataí, as in ceangal na mbataí (the bundle of sticks).
Does bata have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bata can mean stick or baton, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bata change to bhata or mbata?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bata becomes mo bhata (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbata (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bata' and 'maide'?
Both mean stick; 'bata' is often a walking stick or cudgel, while 'maide' is a more general word for a stick or piece of wood, as in 'maide rámha' (oar).
What does 'bata is bóthar' mean?
'Bata is bóthar a thabhairt do dhuine' means to give someone their marching orders, to dismiss or throw them out.
