Bittern in Irish (Bonnán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for bittern?

The Irish for bittern is bonnán (pronounced “BUN-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bonnáin. Depending on context it can also mean siren.

Q: What is the plural of bittern in Irish?

The plural of bonnán is bonnáin; with the article, na bonnáin means “the bitterns”. The genitive plural is bonnán, as in nead na mbonnán (the nest of the bitterns).

Q: Does bonnán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bonnán can mean bittern or siren, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bittern” in Irish

Irish:: bonnán
English:: bittern, siren
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BUN-awn” /ˈbˠʊn̪ˠɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bonnáin (bitterns)
Genitive singular:: bonnáin, an bhonnáin (e.g. glao an bhonnáin, the call of the bittern)
Genitive plural:: bonnán, na mbonnán (e.g. nead na mbonnán, the nest of the bitterns)

What does “bonnán” mean?

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

bittern: A brown, long-legged marsh bird of the heron family, known for its deep booming call.Also: marsh bird, heron.

1 other meaning: siren

2siren: A horn, hooter or siren that makes a loud warning sound.Also: horn, hooter, foghorn, alarm.

“Bonnán” with the article

The plural of bittern in Irish is bonnáin. Here is bonnán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bonnán

the bittern

No change after an

na bonnáin

the bitterns

Plural: no change after na

“Bonnán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bonnán, the Irish word for bittern.

Chuala mé bonnán sa riasc aréir.

I heard a bittern in the marsh last night.

Is éan cúthail é an bonnán.

The bittern is a shy bird.

Tá glao an bhonnáin an-domhain.

The bittern's call is very deep.

Is annamh a fheictear bonnáin in Éirinn anois.

Bitterns are rarely seen in Ireland now.

Shéid an bonnán agus d'fhág gach duine an foirgneamh.

The siren sounded and everyone left the building.

Bhí bonnán an otharchairr le cloisteáil ar an tsráid.

The ambulance siren could be heard on the street.

Tá dánta faoin mbonnán ag filí na Gaeilge.

Irish poets have poems about the bittern.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Bittern in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bittern?

The Irish for bittern is bonnán (pronounced “BUN-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bonnáin. Depending on context it can also mean siren.

How do you pronounce bonnán in Irish?

Bonnán is said like “BUN-awn” (IPA /ˈbˠʊn̪ˠɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of bittern in Irish?

The plural of bonnán is bonnáin; with the article, na bonnáin means “the bitterns”. The genitive plural is bonnán, as in nead na mbonnán (the nest of the bitterns).

Does bonnán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bonnán can mean bittern or siren, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bonnán change to bhonnán or mbonnán?

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

What is 'An Bonnán Buí'?

'An Bonnán Buí' (The Yellow Bittern) is a well-known 18th-century poem by Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna, also sung as a song.

Bittern in Irish (Bonnán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage