HeyRuaHow to say “bronze” in Irish
- Irish:
- umha
- English:
- bronze, copper, brass
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “oo” /uː/
- Genitive singular:
- umha, an umha (e.g. Ré an Umha, the Bronze Age)
What does “umha” mean?
“Umha” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bronze
- A yellowish-brown metal made from copper and tin; in modern standard usage 'umha' usually means bronze.Also: bronze metal.
2 other meanings: copper or brass
- 2copper
- In older and literary usage, the reddish metal copper (now usually 'copar').
- 3brass
- An alloy of copper and zinc, also referred to by this word in older usage.
Other Irish words for bronze: cré-umha (bronze)
“Umha” with the article
Here is umha after the article (an t-alt).
“Umha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using umha, the Irish word for bronze.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bronze in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bronze?
The Irish for bronze is umha (pronounced “oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean copper or brass.
How do you pronounce umha in Irish?
Umha is said like “oo” (IPA /uː/).
Does umha have a plural?
No plural form is given for umha in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does umha have more than one meaning?
Yes. Umha can mean bronze, copper or brass, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does umha sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-umha (the bronze), a humha (her bronze), a n-umha (their bronze).
Is 'umha' copper or bronze?
In modern Irish 'umha' generally means bronze, while copper is 'copar' and brass is 'prás'. Older texts may use 'umha' for copper or brass.
