Branch in Irish (Craobh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for branch?

The Irish for branch is craobh (pronounced “kreev”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is craobhacha. Depending on context it can also mean championship.

Q: What is the plural of branch in Irish?

The plural of craobh is craobhacha; with the article, na craobhacha means “the branches”. The genitive plural is craobhacha, as in duilleoga na gcraobhacha (the leaves of the branches).

Q: Does craobh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Craobh can mean branch or championship, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “branch” in Irish

Irish:: craobh
English:: branch, championship
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kreev” /kɾˠiːvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: craobhacha (branches)
Genitive singular:: craoibhe, na craoibhe (e.g. cluiche na craoibhe, the championship final)
Genitive plural:: craobhacha, na gcraobhacha (e.g. duilleoga na gcraobhacha, the leaves of the branches)

What does “craobh” mean?

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

branch: A limb growing out from the trunk of a tree or bush.Also: bough, tree branch, limb.

2 other meanings: championship

2branch: A local division or office of an organisation, society or company.Also: local branch, division, chapter.
3championship: A sporting competition decided by a final, or the title won in it.Also: title, cup, final victory.

Other Irish words for branch: brainse (branch), géag (branch), gabhal (fork)

“Craobh” with the article

The plural of branch in Irish is craobhacha. Here is craobh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chraobh

the branch

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na craobhacha

the branches

Plural: no change after na

“Craobh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using craobh, the Irish word for branch.

Bhris craobh den chrann sa stoirm.

A branch broke off the tree in the storm.

Tá éan ina shuí ar an gcraobh.

A bird is sitting on the branch.

Bhuaigh Ciarraí an chraobh arís i mbliana.

Kerry won the championship again this year.

Beidh cluiche na craoibhe ar siúl Dé Domhnaigh.

The championship final is on Sunday.

Tá na craobhacha lom sa gheimhreadh.

The branches are bare in winter.

Is ball de chraobh áitiúil mé.

I'm a member of a local branch.

Tá craobh nua den bhanc sa bhaile.

There's a new branch of the bank in town.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Branch in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for branch?

The Irish for branch is craobh (pronounced “kreev”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is craobhacha. Depending on context it can also mean championship.

How do you pronounce craobh in Irish?

Craobh is said like “kreev” (IPA /kɾˠiːvˠ/).

What is the plural of branch in Irish?

The plural of craobh is craobhacha; with the article, na craobhacha means “the branches”. The genitive plural is craobhacha, as in duilleoga na gcraobhacha (the leaves of the branches).

Does craobh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Craobh can mean branch or championship, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does craobh change to chraobh or gcraobh?

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

What is the difference between 'craobh' and 'géag'?

Both can mean a branch, but 'géag' often means a large limb (and also an arm or leg), while 'craobh' is the general word for a branch and also covers the sporting sense.

How do you say 'win the championship'?

You say 'an chraobh a bhuachan' or 'an chraobh a bhaint', for example 'Bhain Gaillimh an chraobh'.

Branch in Irish (Craobh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage