HeyRuaHow to say “cardinal number” in Irish
- Irish:
- bunuimhir
- English:
- cardinal number, radix
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “BUN-iv-ir” /ˈbʊnˌɪvʲɪɾʲ/
- Plural:
- bunuimhreacha (cardinal numbers)
- Genitive singular:
- bunuimhreach, na bunuimhreach (e.g. foirm na bunuimhreach, the form of the cardinal number)
- Genitive plural:
- bunuimhreacha, na mbunuimhreacha (e.g. ord na mbunuimhreacha, the order of the cardinal numbers)
What does “bunuimhir” mean?
“Bunuimhir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cardinal number
- A number used for counting, such as one, two or three, as opposed to an ordinal like first or second.Also: cardinal, counting number.
1 other meaning: radix
- 2radix
- In mathematics, the base of a number system, such as ten in the decimal system.Also: base, number base.
“Bunuimhir” with the article
The plural of cardinal number in Irish is bunuimhreacha. Here is bunuimhir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bunuimhir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bunuimhir, the Irish word for cardinal number.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cardinal number in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cardinal number?
The Irish for cardinal number is bunuimhir (pronounced “BUN-iv-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bunuimhreacha. Depending on context it can also mean radix.
How do you pronounce bunuimhir in Irish?
Bunuimhir is said like “BUN-iv-ir” (IPA /ˈbʊnˌɪvʲɪɾʲ/).
What is the plural of cardinal number in Irish?
The plural of bunuimhir is bunuimhreacha; with the article, na bunuimhreacha means “the cardinal numbers”. The genitive plural is bunuimhreacha, as in ord na mbunuimhreacha (the order of the cardinal numbers).
Does bunuimhir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bunuimhir can mean cardinal number or radix, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bunuimhir change to bhunuimhir or mbunuimhir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bunuimhir becomes mo bhunuimhir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbunuimhir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between bunuimhir and orduimhir?
A bunuimhir is a counting number like a haon, a dó, while an orduimhir is an ordinal like an chéad, an dara.
Is bunuimhir the same as maoluimhir?
Not quite: maoluimhreacha are the bare counting numbers used without a noun (a haon, a dó), while bunuimhreacha is the general grammatical term for cardinal numbers, including those used with nouns (aon bhord amháin).
