HeyRuaHow to say “bubble” in Irish
- Irish:
- bolgán
- English:
- bubble, light bulb, swim bladder, small belly
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BUL-uh-gawn” /ˈbˠɔlˠəɡaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- bolgáin (bubbles)
- Genitive singular:
- bolgáin, an bholgáin (e.g. pléascadh an bholgáin, the bursting of the bubble)
- Genitive plural:
- bolgán, na mbolgán (e.g. pléascadh na mbolgán, the bursting of the bubbles)
What does “bolgán” mean?
“Bolgán” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bubble
- A small ball of air or gas inside a liquid or surrounded by a thin film.Also: air bubble, blister.
3 other meanings: light bulb or swim bladder or small belly
- 2light bulb
- The glass part of an electric lamp that gives out light.Also: bulb, lamp bulb.
- 3swim bladder
- The air-filled sac inside a fish that helps it float.Also: air bladder, sound.
- 4small belly
- A little belly or bulging swelling; a diminutive of bolg.Also: bulge, swelling.
Other Irish words for bubble: boilgín (bubble), boilgeog (bubble), bolgóid (bubble)
“Bolgán” with the article
The plural of bubble in Irish is bolgáin. Here is bolgán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bolgán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bolgán, the Irish word for bubble.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bubble in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bubble?
The Irish for bubble is bolgán (pronounced “BUL-uh-gawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bolgáin. Depending on context it can also mean light bulb or swim bladder or small belly.
How do you pronounce bolgán in Irish?
Bolgán is said like “BUL-uh-gawn” (IPA /ˈbˠɔlˠəɡaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of bubble in Irish?
The plural of bolgán is bolgáin; with the article, na bolgáin means “the bubbles”. The genitive plural is bolgán, as in pléascadh na mbolgán (the bursting of the bubbles).
Does bolgán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bolgán can mean bubble, light bulb, swim bladder or small belly, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bolgán change to bholgán or mbolgán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bolgán becomes mo bholgán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbolgán (eclipsis).
How do I say 'light bulb' in Irish?
Use bolgán or more fully bolgán solais; bolgán alone usually means bulb in context.
What does 'bolgán béice' mean?
Literally a puffball fungus, it is also used figuratively for a windbag or loudmouth.
