HeyRuaHow to say “belly” in Irish
- Irish:
- bolg
- English:
- belly, bulge, bag
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOL-ug” /bˠɔlˠəɡ/
- Plural:
- boilg (bellies)
- Genitive singular:
- boilg, an bhoilg (e.g. pian an bhoilg, stomach pain)
- Genitive plural:
- bolg, na mbolg (e.g. pianta na mbolg, the pains of the bellies)
What does “bolg” mean?
“Bolg” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- belly
- The front part of the body below the chest, containing the stomach and intestines.Also: stomach, abdomen, tummy.
2 other meanings: bulge or bag
- 2bulge
- The swelling, rounded or middle part of something, such as a barrel, a sail or a ship's hold.Also: middle part, hold, bilge.
- 3bag
- A bag or pouch, especially one that swells out when filled.Also: pouch, sack.
Other Irish words for belly: goile (stomach)
“Bolg” with the article
The plural of belly in Irish is boilg. Here is bolg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bolg” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bolg, the Irish word for belly.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Belly in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for belly?
The Irish for belly is bolg (pronounced “BOL-ug”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is boilg. Depending on context it can also mean bulge or bag.
How do you pronounce bolg in Irish?
Bolg is said like “BOL-ug” (IPA /bˠɔlˠəɡ/).
What is the plural of belly in Irish?
The plural of bolg is boilg; with the article, na boilg means “the bellies”. The genitive plural is bolg, as in pianta na mbolg (the pains of the bellies).
Does bolg have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bolg can mean belly, bulge or bag, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bolg change to bholg or mbolg?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bolg becomes mo bholg (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbolg (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bolg' and 'goile'?
'Bolg' is the belly or abdomen in general, while 'goile' is the stomach as the organ of digestion and also appetite: tá goile maith agam, I have a good appetite.
What does 'bolg le gréin' mean?
It means sunbathing, literally belly to the sun: bhíomar ag déanamh bolg le gréin ar an trá.
