HeyRuaHow to say “bitumen” in Irish
- Irish:
- biotúman
- English:
- bitumen
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bi-TOO-mun” /bʲɪˈt̪ˠuːmˠən̪ˠ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- biotúmain, an bhiotúmain (e.g. boladh an bhiotúmain, the smell of the bitumen)
What does “biotúman” mean?
- bitumen
- A black, sticky substance obtained from petroleum or found naturally, used for road surfaces and waterproofing.Also: asphalt, tar, pitch.
“Biotúman” with the article
Here is biotúman after the article (an t-alt).
an biotúman
the bitumen
No change after an
“Biotúman” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using biotúman, the Irish word for bitumen.
Úsáidtear biotúman chun bóithre a dhéanamh.
Bitumen is used to make roads.
Bhí an biotúman te agus greamaitheach.
The bitumen was hot and sticky.
Leag siad sraith bhiotúmain ar an díon.
They laid a layer of bitumen on the roof.
Tagann biotúman ó pheitreal.
Bitumen comes from petroleum.
Fuair mé biotúman ar mo bhróga.
I got bitumen on my shoes.
Tá dath dubh ar an mbiotúman.
Bitumen is black in colour.
Cuireann an biotúman cosc ar uisce dul isteach.
The bitumen stops water getting in.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bitumen in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bitumen?
The Irish for bitumen is biotúman (pronounced “bi-TOO-mun”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce biotúman in Irish?
Biotúman is said like “bi-TOO-mun” (IPA /bʲɪˈt̪ˠuːmˠən̪ˠ/).
Does biotúman have a plural?
No plural form is given for biotúman in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does biotúman change to bhiotúman or mbiotúman?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) biotúman becomes mo bhiotúman (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbiotúman (eclipsis).
Is biotúman the same as tarra?
Not exactly: biotúman is bitumen from petroleum, while tarra is tar, usually from coal or wood, though everyday speech often mixes them up.
