HeyRuaHow to say “brat” in Irish
- Irish:
- grabaire
- English:
- brat, small child
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “GRAB-ir-eh” /ˈɡɾˠabˠəɾʲə/
- Plural:
- grabairí (brats)
- Genitive singular:
- grabaire, an ghrabaire (e.g. cóta an ghrabaire, the little brat's coat)
- Genitive plural:
- grabairí, na ngrabairí (e.g. callán na ngrabairí, the racket of the brats)
What does “grabaire” mean?
“Grabaire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- brat
- A cheeky, mischievous or impudent young child, often said affectionately.Also: urchin, imp, cheeky child, little rascal.
“Grabaire” with the article
The plural of brat in Irish is grabairí. Here is grabaire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Grabaire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using grabaire, the Irish word for brat.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Brat in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for brat?
The Irish for brat is grabaire (pronounced “GRAB-ir-eh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is grabairí. Depending on context it can also mean small child.
How do you pronounce grabaire in Irish?
Grabaire is said like “GRAB-ir-eh” (IPA /ˈɡɾˠabˠəɾʲə/).
What is the plural of brat in Irish?
The plural of grabaire is grabairí; with the article, na grabairí means “the brats”. The genitive plural is grabairí, as in callán na ngrabairí (the racket of the brats).
Does grabaire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Grabaire can mean brat or small child, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does grabaire change to ghrabaire or ngrabaire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) grabaire becomes mo ghrabaire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngrabaire (eclipsis).
Is 'grabaire' an insult?
Usually not: 'grabaire' is mostly used affectionately for a cheeky child, much like 'little rascal', though tone can make it sharper.
