HeyRuaHow to say “tartan” in Irish
- Irish:
- breacán
- English:
- tartan, brambling
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAK-awn” /bʲɾʲakɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- breacáin (tartans)
- Genitive singular:
- breacáin, an bhreacáin (e.g. dath an bhreacáin, the colour of the tartan)
- Genitive plural:
- breacán, na mbreacán (e.g. patrúin na mbreacán, the patterns of the tartans)
What does “breacán” mean?
“Breacán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tartan
- A woollen cloth woven in a pattern of coloured checks and stripes, as used for kilts and plaids.Also: plaid, checked cloth, tartan cloth.
1 other meaning: brambling
- 2brambling
- A small finch with orange and black plumage that visits Ireland in winter.Also: bramble finch, finch.
“Breacán” with the article
The plural of tartan in Irish is breacáin. Here is breacán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Breacán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using breacán, the Irish word for tartan.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Tartan in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tartan?
The Irish for tartan is breacán (pronounced “BRAK-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is breacáin. Depending on context it can also mean brambling.
How do you pronounce breacán in Irish?
Breacán is said like “BRAK-awn” (IPA /bʲɾʲakɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of tartan in Irish?
The plural of breacán is breacáin; with the article, na breacáin means “the tartans”. The genitive plural is breacán, as in patrúin na mbreacán (the patterns of the tartans).
Does breacán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Breacán can mean tartan or brambling, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does breacán change to bhreacán or mbreacán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) breacán becomes mo bhreacán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbreacán (eclipsis).
How do I say 'kilt' in Irish, since it is usually made of breacán?
A kilt is 'filleadh beag', and it is often made of breacán (tartan).
