HeyRuaHow to say “barrier” in Irish
- Irish:
- bacainn
- English:
- barrier, half-door
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAH-kin” /ˈbˠakənʲ/
- Plural:
- bacainní (barriers)
- Genitive singular:
- bacainne, na bacainne (e.g. taobh thall na bacainne, on the far side of the barrier)
- Genitive plural:
- bacainní, na mbacainní (e.g. baint na mbacainní, the removal of the barriers)
What does “bacainn” mean?
“Bacainn” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- barrier
- Something that blocks the way or prevents movement or progress.Also: obstruction, hindrance, obstacle, impediment.
1 other meaning: half-door
- 2half-door
- A low barrier or half-door across the doorway of a house or stall, especially in older usage.Also: gate, bar.
Other Irish words for barrier: bac (obstruction)
“Bacainn” with the article
The plural of barrier in Irish is bacainní. Here is bacainn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bacainn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bacainn, the Irish word for barrier.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Barrier in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for barrier?
The Irish for barrier is bacainn (pronounced “BAH-kin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bacainní. Depending on context it can also mean half-door.
How do you pronounce bacainn in Irish?
Bacainn is said like “BAH-kin” (IPA /ˈbˠakənʲ/).
What is the plural of barrier in Irish?
The plural of bacainn is bacainní; with the article, na bacainní means “the barriers”. The genitive plural is bacainní, as in baint na mbacainní (the removal of the barriers).
Does bacainn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bacainn can mean barrier or half-door, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bacainn change to bhacainn or mbacainn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bacainn becomes mo bhacainn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbacainn (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bacainn' and 'constaic'?
'Bacainn' is a barrier, often a physical one across a way, while 'constaic' is an obstacle in general; both are used figuratively.
