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Additive in Irish (Breiseán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘breiseán’ also means: add-on

The Irish for additive is breiseán, a masculine noun (plural breiseáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “additive” in Irish

Irish:
breiseán
English:
additive, add-on
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“BRESH-awn”  /ˈbʲɾʲɛʃaːn̪ˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
breiseáin (additives)
Genitive singular:
breiseáin, an bhreiseáin (e.g. éifeacht an bhreiseáin, the effect of the additive)
Genitive plural:
breiseán, na mbreiseán (e.g. úsáid na mbreiseán, the use of additives)

What does “breiseán” mean?

“Breiseán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

additive
A substance added to something, especially to food, to preserve it or improve its taste or colour.Also: food additive, supplement.
1 other meaning: add-on
2add-on
An extra piece of software or equipment added to something to give it more features.Also: plug-in, extension.

“Breiseán” with the article

The plural of additive in Irish is breiseáin. Here is breiseán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an breiseán
the additive
No change after an
na breiseáin
the additives
Plural: no change after na

“Breiseán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using breiseán, the Irish word for additive.

Tá breiseán sa bhia seo.
There is an additive in this food.
Ní maith liom an breiseán sin.
I don't like that additive.
Táirgimid bia sláintiúil gan barraíocht breiseán.
We produce healthy food without too many additives.
Bíonn go leor breiseán i ndeochanna milse.
Sweet drinks often contain a lot of additives.
Léigh mé ainm an bhreiseáin ar an lipéad.
I read the name of the additive on the label.
Níl aon bhreiseáin san arán seo.
There are no additives in this bread.
Shuiteáil mé breiseán nua sa bhrabhsálaí.
I installed a new add-on in the browser.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Additive in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for additive?

The Irish for additive is breiseán (pronounced “BRESH-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is breiseáin. Depending on context it can also mean add-on.

How do you pronounce breiseán in Irish?

Breiseán is said like “BRESH-awn” (IPA /ˈbʲɾʲɛʃaːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of additive in Irish?

The plural of breiseán is breiseáin; with the article, na breiseáin means “the additives”. The genitive plural is breiseán, as in úsáid na mbreiseán (the use of additives).

Does breiseán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Breiseán can mean additive or add-on, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does breiseán change to bhreiseán or mbreiseán?

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

Is 'breiseán' the same as 'leasaitheach'?

No: 'breiseán' is any additive, while 'leasaitheach' is specifically a preservative.

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