HeyRuaHow to say “box” in Irish
- Irish:
- bosca
- English:
- box, box tree
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BUS-kuh” /ˈbˠɔsˠkə/
- Plural:
- boscaí (boxes)
- Genitive singular:
- bosca, an bhosca (e.g. clúdach an bhosca, the lid of the box)
- Genitive plural:
- boscaí, na mboscaí (e.g. carn na mboscaí, the pile of boxes)
What does “bosca” mean?
“Bosca” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- box
- A container, usually with flat sides and a lid, used for holding or carrying things.Also: container, case, carton.
1 other meaning: box tree
- 2box tree
- An evergreen shrub of the genus Buxus, or its hard wood, often used for hedges.Also: boxwood, box.
“Bosca” with the article
The plural of box in Irish is boscaí. Here is bosca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bosca” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bosca, the Irish word for box.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Box in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for box?
The Irish for box is bosca (pronounced “BUS-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is boscaí. Depending on context it can also mean box tree.
How do you pronounce bosca in Irish?
Bosca is said like “BUS-kuh” (IPA /ˈbˠɔsˠkə/).
What is the plural of box in Irish?
The plural of bosca is boscaí; with the article, na boscaí means “the boxes”. The genitive plural is boscaí, as in carn na mboscaí (the pile of boxes).
Does bosca have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bosca can mean box or box tree, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bosca change to bhosca or mbosca?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bosca becomes mo bhosca (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbosca (eclipsis).
What does 'bosca ceoil' mean?
'Bosca ceoil' literally means 'box of music' but is the usual word for an accordion or melodeon.
