HeyRuaHow to say “bar” in Irish
- Irish:
- barra
- English:
- bar, bar (counter), sandbar, bar (law)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAR-uh” /ˈbˠaɾˠə/
- Plural:
- barraí (bars)
- Genitive singular:
- barra, an bharra (e.g. ag cúl an bharra, at the back of the bar)
- Genitive plural:
- barraí, na mbarraí (e.g. úinéirí na mbarraí, the owners of the bars)
What does “barra” mean?
“Barra” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bar
- A long rigid piece of metal or wood, such as a rod or crowbar.Also: rod, crowbar, rail.
3 other meanings: bar (counter) or sandbar or bar (law)
- 2bar (counter)
- A counter where drinks are served, or the room in a pub with such a counter.Also: bar, counter, pub bar, lounge bar.
- 3sandbar
- A bank of sand across the mouth of a river or harbour.Also: bar, shoal.
- 4bar (law)
- The legal profession of barristers, or the barrier in a court.Also: bar, the bar, legal profession.
Other Irish words for bar: beár (bar)
“Barra” with the article
The plural of bar in Irish is barraí. Here is barra after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Barra” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using barra, the Irish word for bar.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bar in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bar?
The Irish for bar is barra (pronounced “BAR-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is barraí. Depending on context it can also mean bar (counter) or sandbar or bar (law).
How do you pronounce barra in Irish?
Barra is said like “BAR-uh” (IPA /ˈbˠaɾˠə/).
What is the plural of bar in Irish?
The plural of barra is barraí; with the article, na barraí means “the bars”. The genitive plural is barraí, as in úinéirí na mbarraí (the owners of the bars).
Does barra have more than one meaning?
Yes. Barra can mean bar, bar (counter), sandbar or bar (law), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does barra change to bharra or mbarra?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) barra becomes mo bharra (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbarra (eclipsis).
Is 'barra' the same as 'barr'?
No. 'Barr' means top or crop, while 'barra' means a bar; 'ar barr' means on top.
What is the word for a pub bar?
'Barra' is used for the counter or bar room, and 'beár' is also heard; the pub itself is 'teach tábhairne'.
