Border in Irish (Teorainn): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for border?

The Irish for border is teorainn (pronounced “TYOR-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is teorainneacha. Depending on context it can also mean boundary or limit.

Q: What is the plural of border in Irish?

The plural of teorainn is teorainneacha; with the article, na teorainneacha means “the borders”. The genitive plural is teorainneacha, as in athrú na dteorainneacha (the changing of the boundaries).

Q: Does teorainn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Teorainn can mean border, boundary or limit, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “border” in Irish

Irish:: teorainn
English:: border, boundary, limit
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:: “TYOR-in” /tʲoːɾˠənʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: teorainneacha (borders)
Genitive singular:: teorann, na teorann (e.g. taobh thall na teorann, on the other side of the border)
Genitive plural:: teorainneacha, na dteorainneacha (e.g. athrú na dteorainneacha, the changing of the boundaries)

What does “teorainn” mean?

“Teorainn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

border: The line that separates two countries, counties or other areas.Also: frontier, boundary line.

2 other meanings: boundary or limit

2boundary: The edge or dividing line of a piece of land or an area.Also: bound, edge, margin.
3limit: The greatest amount or furthest point that is allowed or possible.Also: restriction, cap.

Other Irish words for border: imeall (edge), ciumhais (edge), frainse (fringe)

“Teorainn” with the article

The plural of border in Irish is teorainneacha. Here is teorainn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an teorainn

the border

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na teorainneacha

the borders

Plural: no change after na

“Teorainn” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using teorainn, the Irish word for border.

Táimid an-ghar don teorainn.

We are very close to the border.

Thrasnaigh siad an teorainn ar maidin.

They crossed the border this morning.

Tá teorainn luais caoga ciliméadar anseo.

There's a speed limit of fifty kilometres here.

Cónaíonn m'aintín in aice leis an teorainn.

My aunt lives near the border.

Níl teorainn ar a chuid foighne.

There's no limit to his patience.

Socraíodh teorainneacha nua don pharóiste.

New boundaries were set for the parish.

Tá a theach díreach ar an teorainn.

His house is right on the border.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Border in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for border?

The Irish for border is teorainn (pronounced “TYOR-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is teorainneacha. Depending on context it can also mean boundary or limit.

How do you pronounce teorainn in Irish?

Teorainn is said like “TYOR-in” (IPA /tʲoːɾˠənʲ/).

What is the plural of border in Irish?

The plural of teorainn is teorainneacha; with the article, na teorainneacha means “the borders”. The genitive plural is teorainneacha, as in athrú na dteorainneacha (the changing of the boundaries).

Does teorainn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Teorainn can mean border, boundary or limit, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does teorainn change to theorainn or dteorainn?

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

How do I say 'bordering on' or 'next to' in Irish?

Use 'i dteorainn le', for example 'i dteorainn le Contae an Chláir', bordering on County Clare.

What is the related adjective?

'Teoranta' means limited or restricted, as in 'cuideachta theoranta', a limited company.

Border in Irish (Teorainn): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage