HeyRuaHow to say “bow” in Irish
- Irish:
- bogha
- English:
- bow, arch, halo
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bow” /bˠəu/
- Plural:
- boghanna (bows)
- Genitive singular:
- bogha, an bhogha (e.g. sreang an bhogha, the string of the bow)
- Genitive plural:
- boghanna, na mboghanna (e.g. déantóir na mboghanna, the maker of the bows)
What does “bogha” mean?
“Bogha” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bow
- A curved weapon with a string, used for shooting arrows.Also: longbow, archery bow.
3 other meanings: arch or halo
- 2bow
- A rod strung with horsehair, used for playing a violin or other stringed instrument.Also: fiddle bow, violin bow.
- 3arch
- A curved shape or structure, such as an arch or an arc.Also: arc, curve.
- 4halo
- A ring of light seen around the sun or moon.Also: ring, circle.
Other Irish words for bow: ribín (ribbon)
“Bogha” with the article
The plural of bow in Irish is boghanna. Here is bogha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bogha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bogha, the Irish word for bow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bow?
The Irish for bow is bogha (pronounced “bow”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is boghanna. Depending on context it can also mean arch or halo.
How do you pronounce bogha in Irish?
Bogha is said like “bow” (IPA /bˠəu/).
What is the plural of bow in Irish?
The plural of bogha is boghanna; with the article, na boghanna means “the bows”. The genitive plural is boghanna, as in déantóir na mboghanna (the maker of the bows).
Does bogha have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bogha can mean bow, arch or halo, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bogha change to bhogha or mbogha?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bogha becomes mo bhogha (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbogha (eclipsis).
How do you say rainbow in Irish?
The usual word is 'bogha báistí', literally 'bow of rain'; 'bogha ceatha' is also used.
Does 'bogha' mean the bow of a ship?
No, the front of a ship is 'tosach' or 'srón'; 'bogha' is the bow for arrows or a fiddle, or an arch.
