Bottom in Irish (Bun): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for bottom?

The Irish for bottom is bun (pronounced “bun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bunanna. Depending on context it can also mean stump or source.

Q: What is the plural of bottom in Irish?

The plural of bun is bunanna; with the article, na bunanna means “the bottoms”. The genitive plural is bunanna, as in airde na mbunanna (the height of the stumps).

Q: Does bun have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bun can mean bottom, stump or source, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bottom” in Irish

Irish:: bun
English:: bottom, stump, source
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “bun” /bˠʊnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bunanna (bottoms)
Genitive singular:: buin, an bhuin (e.g. ag bun an bhuin, at the very bottom)
Genitive plural:: bunanna, na mbunanna (e.g. airde na mbunanna, the height of the stumps)

What does “bun” mean?

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

bottom: The lowest part or base of something, such as a page, hill or tree.Also: base, foot, lower end.

2 other meanings: stump or source

2stump: The remaining stump or butt of something, such as a tree or a cigarette.Also: butt, stub.
3source: The origin or foundation from which something comes.Also: origin, foundation, basis.

Other Irish words for bottom: tóin (bottom), íochtar (bottom), más (buttock), íochtarach (lower)

“Bun” with the article

The plural of bottom in Irish is bunanna. Here is bun after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bun

the bottom

No change after an

na bunanna

the bottoms

Plural: no change after na

“Bun” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bun, the Irish word for bottom.

Tá sé ag bun an leathanaigh.

It is at the bottom of the page.

Shuíomar ag bun an chnoic.

We sat at the foot of the hill.

Cuireadh an scoil ar bun i 1990.

The school was founded in 1990.

Tá mé i mbun gnó le bliain.

I have been running a business for a year.

Tá an cluiche do leanaí faoi bhun deich mbliana.

The game is for children under ten.

Fágadh bun crainn sa ghairdín.

A tree stump was left in the garden.

Céard atá ar bun agat inniu?

What are you up to today?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Bottom in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bottom?

The Irish for bottom is bun (pronounced “bun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bunanna. Depending on context it can also mean stump or source.

How do you pronounce bun in Irish?

Bun is said like “bun” (IPA /bˠʊnˠ/).

What is the plural of bottom in Irish?

The plural of bun is bunanna; with the article, na bunanna means “the bottoms”. The genitive plural is bunanna, as in airde na mbunanna (the height of the stumps).

Does bun have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bun can mean bottom, stump or source, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bun change to bhun or mbun?

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

What does 'ar bun' mean?

'Ar bun' means established or going on: 'Cuireadh an club ar bun' means the club was set up, and 'Cad atá ar bun?' means what is going on?

How is 'bun' different from 'barr'?

'Bun' is the bottom or base, while 'barr' is the top: 'bun an staighre' is the foot of the stairs, 'barr an staighre' the top.

Bottom in Irish (Bun): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage