HeyRuaHow to say “bully” in Irish
- Irish:
- bulaí
- English:
- bully, fine fellow
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BUL-ee” /ˈbˠʊlˠiː/
- Plural:
- bulaithe (bullies)
- Genitive singular:
- bulaí, an bhulaí (e.g. iompar an bhulaí, the bully's behaviour)
- Genitive plural:
- bulaithe, na mbulaithe (e.g. íospartaigh na mbulaithe, the victims of the bullies)
What does “bulaí” mean?
“Bulaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bully
- A person who uses strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people.Also: tormentor, intimidator.
1 other meaning: fine fellow
- 2fine fellow
- Used informally in praise of someone, as in 'bulaí fir', a fine fellow or well done.Also: good man, well done.
“Bulaí” with the article
The plural of bully in Irish is bulaithe. Here is bulaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bulaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bulaí, the Irish word for bully.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bully in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bully?
The Irish for bully is bulaí (pronounced “BUL-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bulaithe. Depending on context it can also mean fine fellow.
How do you pronounce bulaí in Irish?
Bulaí is said like “BUL-ee” (IPA /ˈbˠʊlˠiː/).
What is the plural of bully in Irish?
The plural of bulaí is bulaithe; with the article, na bulaithe means “the bullies”. The genitive plural is bulaithe, as in íospartaigh na mbulaithe (the victims of the bullies).
Does bulaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bulaí can mean bully or fine fellow, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bulaí change to bhulaí or mbulaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bulaí becomes mo bhulaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbulaí (eclipsis).
What is the word for bullying?
Bullying is 'bulaíocht', as in 'Níl glacadh le bulaíocht anseo' (Bullying is not accepted here).
Does 'bulaí fir' mean a male bully?
No, 'bulaí fir' is an old expression of praise meaning 'good man' or 'well done'.
