HeyRuaHow to say “bulb” in Irish
- Irish:
- bleib
- English:
- bulb
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “blehb” /bʲlʲɛbʲ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- bleibe, na bleibe (e.g. cruth na bleibe, the shape of the bulb)
What does “bleib” mean?
- bulb
- The round underground part of certain plants, such as an onion or tulip, from which the plant grows.Also: plant bulb, flower bulb, corm.
“Bleib” with the article
Here is bleib after the article (an t-alt).
an bhleib
the bulb
Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)
“Bleib” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bleib, the Irish word for bulb.
Chuir mé bleib tiúilipe sa ghairdín inné.
I planted a tulip bulb in the garden yesterday.
Tá an bhleib seo róbheag le cur.
This bulb is too small to plant.
Fásann an bláth as an mbleib san earrach.
The flower grows from the bulb in spring.
Bhain sé craiceann na bleibe go cúramach.
He carefully removed the skin of the bulb.
Is bleib é an t-oinniún.
The onion is a bulb.
Coinnigh an bhleib in áit thirim fhuar.
Keep the bulb in a cool, dry place.
Cuir an bhleib sa chré go domhain.
Put the bulb deep in the soil.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bulb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bulb?
The Irish for bulb is bleib (pronounced “blehb”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce bleib in Irish?
Bleib is said like “blehb” (IPA /bʲlʲɛbʲ/).
Does bleib have a plural?
No plural form is given for bleib in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does bleib change to bhleib or mbleib?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bleib becomes mo bhleib (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbleib (eclipsis).
Is 'bleib' used for a light bulb?
No, 'bleib' is the plant bulb; a light bulb is 'bolgán' or 'bolgán solais'.
