HeyRuaHow to say “blow” in Irish
- Irish:
- buille
- English:
- blow, beat, stroke, a little
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BWIL-uh” /ˈbˠɪlʲə/
- Plural:
- buillí (blows)
- Genitive singular:
- buille, an bhuille (e.g. neart an bhuille, the force of the blow)
- Genitive plural:
- buillí, na mbuillí (e.g. fuaim na mbuillí, the sound of the blows)
What does “buille” mean?
“Buille” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- blow
- A hard hit or strike with the hand, a weapon or an object.Also: stroke, hit, strike, knock.
3 other meanings: beat or stroke or a little
- 2beat
- A single regular beat or stroke, as of the heart, a clock or music.Also: heartbeat, stroke, pulse.
- 3stroke
- A single movement or action, such as a stroke of an oar, a pen or the clock.Also: movement, stroke of work.
- 4a little
- Used adverbially before an adjective to mean somewhat or a bit.Also: somewhat, a bit, rather.
Other Irish words for blow: séid (blow), séideadh (blowing), clabhta (clout)
“Buille” with the article
The plural of blow in Irish is buillí. Here is buille after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Buille” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using buille, the Irish word for blow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Blow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for blow?
The Irish for blow is buille (pronounced “BWIL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is buillí. Depending on context it can also mean beat or stroke or a little.
How do you pronounce buille in Irish?
Buille is said like “BWIL-uh” (IPA /ˈbˠɪlʲə/).
What is the plural of blow in Irish?
The plural of buille is buillí; with the article, na buillí means “the blows”. The genitive plural is buillí, as in fuaim na mbuillí (the sound of the blows).
Does buille have more than one meaning?
Yes. Buille can mean blow, beat, stroke or a little, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does buille change to bhuille or mbuille?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) buille becomes mo bhuille (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbuille (eclipsis).
What does 'buille faoi thuairim' mean?
It means a guess: 'Tabhair buille faoi thuairim' means 'Have a guess'.
How is 'buille' used to mean 'a bit'?
Placed before an adjective it softens it: 'buille luath' means 'a little early'.
