HeyRuaHow to say “buttercup” in Irish
- Irish:
- fearbán
- English:
- buttercup, creeping buttercup
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “FAR-uh-bawn” /ˈfʲaɾˠəbˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- fearbáin (buttercups)
- Genitive singular:
- fearbáin, an fhearbáin (e.g. bláth an fhearbáin, the flower of the buttercup)
- Genitive plural:
- fearbán, na bhfearbán (e.g. bláthanna na bhfearbán, the flowers of the buttercups)
What does “fearbán” mean?
“Fearbán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- buttercup
- A common wild plant with bright yellow cup-shaped flowers, of the genus Ranunculus.Also: crowfoot, Ranunculus.
1 other meaning: creeping buttercup
- 2creeping buttercup
- A buttercup that spreads along the ground by runners, often a weed in fields and gardens.Also: Ranunculus repens.
“Fearbán” with the article
The plural of buttercup in Irish is fearbáin. Here is fearbán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fearbán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fearbán, the Irish word for buttercup.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Buttercup in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for buttercup?
The Irish for buttercup is fearbán (pronounced “FAR-uh-bawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fearbáin. Depending on context it can also mean creeping buttercup.
How do you pronounce fearbán in Irish?
Fearbán is said like “FAR-uh-bawn” (IPA /ˈfʲaɾˠəbˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of buttercup in Irish?
The plural of fearbán is fearbáin; with the article, na fearbáin means “the buttercups”. The genitive plural is fearbán, as in bláthanna na bhfearbán (the flowers of the buttercups).
Does fearbán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fearbán can mean buttercup or creeping buttercup, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fearbán change to fhearbán or bhfearbán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fearbán becomes m'fhearbán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfearbán (eclipsis).
Is there another Irish name for the buttercup?
Yes, 'cam an ime' is also used for buttercup, but 'fearbán' is the usual dictionary name, especially for the creeping buttercup.
