Vat in Irish (Dabhach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for vat?

The Irish for vat is dabhach (pronounced “DOW-akh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dabhcha. Depending on context it can also mean pool or bathtub.

Q: What is the plural of vat in Irish?

The plural of dabhach is dabhcha; with the article, na dabhcha means “the vats”. The genitive plural is dabhcha, as in clár na ndabhcha (the lid of the vats).

Q: Does dabhach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dabhach can mean vat, pool or bathtub, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “vat” in Irish

Irish:: dabhach
English:: vat, pool, bathtub
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “DOW-akh” /ˈd̪ˠəuəx/

Various forms

Plural:: dabhcha (vats)
Genitive singular:: daibhche, na daibhche (e.g. bun na daibhche, the bottom of the vat)
Genitive plural:: dabhcha, na ndabhcha (e.g. clár na ndabhcha, the lid of the vats)

What does “dabhach” mean?

“Dabhach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

vat: A large open container or tub for holding liquid, used for brewing, dyeing or washing.Also: tub, cask, tank.

2 other meanings: pool or bathtub

2pool: A deep hole of water in the ground or in a river, such as a pond or waterhole.Also: pond, waterhole, pit.
3bathtub: A bath for washing in, usually in the phrase 'dabhach fholctha'.Also: bath, tub.

“Dabhach” with the article

The plural of vat in Irish is dabhcha. Here is dabhach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dabhach

the vat

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na dabhcha

the vats

Plural: no change after na

“Dabhach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dabhach, the Irish word for vat.

Líon sé an dabhach le huisce te.

He filled the tub with hot water.

Tá dabhach mhór sa ghrúdlann.

There is a big vat in the brewery.

Bhí an t-éadach ag maothú sa dabhach.

The cloth was soaking in the vat.

Ghlan sí taobh na daibhche go cúramach.

She cleaned the side of the vat carefully.

Tá na dabhcha lán le fíon nua.

The vats are full of new wine.

Thit an páiste isteach i ndabhach uisce.

The child fell into a pool of water.

Tá dabhach fholctha nua againn sa seomra folctha.

We have a new bathtub in the bathroom.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

traeintrain caibidilchapter dóthainenough seisiúnsession ordsledgehammer iomlánthe whole

Vat in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for vat?

The Irish for vat is dabhach (pronounced “DOW-akh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dabhcha. Depending on context it can also mean pool or bathtub.

How do you pronounce dabhach in Irish?

Dabhach is said like “DOW-akh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠəuəx/).

What is the plural of vat in Irish?

The plural of dabhach is dabhcha; with the article, na dabhcha means “the vats”. The genitive plural is dabhcha, as in clár na ndabhcha (the lid of the vats).

Does dabhach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dabhach can mean vat, pool or bathtub, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dabhach change to dhabhach or ndabhach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dabhach becomes mo dhabhach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndabhach (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'dabhach' and 'folcadán'?

'Folcadán' is the usual everyday word for a bath, while 'dabhach' is a vat or tub in general; a bathtub can also be called 'dabhach fholctha'.

Vat in Irish (Dabhach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage