HeyRuaHow to say “bodhran” in Irish
- Irish:
- bodhrán
- English:
- bodhran, deaf person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bow-RAWN” /bˠəuˈɾˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- bodhráin (bodhrans)
- Genitive singular:
- bodhráin, an bhodhráin (e.g. craiceann an bhodhráin, the skin of the bodhran)
- Genitive plural:
- bodhrán, na mbodhrán (e.g. fuaim na mbodhrán, the sound of the bodhrans)
What does “bodhrán” mean?
“Bodhrán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bodhran
- A traditional Irish frame drum covered with goatskin and played with a small stick or the hand.Also: drum, frame drum, Irish drum.
1 other meaning: deaf person
- 2deaf person
- A person who is deaf or hard of hearing; also used of a dull, slow-witted person.Also: dullard, slow-witted person.
“Bodhrán” with the article
The plural of bodhran in Irish is bodhráin. Here is bodhrán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bodhrán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bodhrán, the Irish word for bodhran.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bodhran in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bodhran?
The Irish for bodhran is bodhrán (pronounced “bow-RAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bodhráin. Depending on context it can also mean deaf person.
How do you pronounce bodhrán in Irish?
Bodhrán is said like “bow-RAWN” (IPA /bˠəuˈɾˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of bodhran in Irish?
The plural of bodhrán is bodhráin; with the article, na bodhráin means “the bodhrans”. The genitive plural is bodhrán, as in fuaim na mbodhrán (the sound of the bodhrans).
Does bodhrán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bodhrán can mean bodhran or deaf person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bodhrán change to bhodhrán or mbodhrán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bodhrán becomes mo bhodhrán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbodhrán (eclipsis).
Is 'bodhrán' related to 'bodhar'?
Yes, bodhrán is linked to bodhar 'deaf', which is why it can also mean a deaf or dull person.
