HeyRuaHow to say “bowl” in Irish
- Irish:
- babhla
- English:
- bowl, bowl (in bowling)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOW-luh” /ˈbˠəulˠə/
- Plural:
- babhlaí (bowls)
- Genitive singular:
- babhla, an bhabhla (e.g. imeall an bhabhla, the rim of the bowl)
- Genitive plural:
- babhlaí, na mbabhlaí (e.g. cófra na mbabhlaí, the bowl cupboard)
What does “babhla” mean?
“Babhla” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bowl
- A deep round dish used for holding food or liquid, such as soup, cereal or salad.Also: dish, basin, soup bowl.
1 other meaning: bowl (in bowling)
- 2bowl (in bowling)
- A ball used in the game of bowls or bowling.Also: bowl, bowling ball, wood.
Other Irish words for bowl: scála (bowl)
“Babhla” with the article
The plural of bowl in Irish is babhlaí. Here is babhla after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Babhla” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using babhla, the Irish word for bowl.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bowl in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bowl?
The Irish for bowl is babhla (pronounced “BOW-luh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is babhlaí. Depending on context it can also mean bowl (in bowling).
How do you pronounce babhla in Irish?
Babhla is said like “BOW-luh” (IPA /ˈbˠəulˠə/).
What is the plural of bowl in Irish?
The plural of babhla is babhlaí; with the article, na babhlaí means “the bowls”. The genitive plural is babhlaí, as in cófra na mbabhlaí (the bowl cupboard).
Does babhla have more than one meaning?
Yes. Babhla can mean bowl or bowl (in bowling), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does babhla change to bhabhla or mbabhla?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) babhla becomes mo bhabhla (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbabhla (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'babhla' and 'mias'?
A 'babhla' is a deep round bowl, while 'mias' is a dish or platter, often flatter or used for serving.
