Coaxing in Irish (Bréagadh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for coaxing?

The Irish for coaxing is bréagadh (pronounced “BRAY-guh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean soothing.

Q: Does bréagadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bréagadh can mean coaxing or soothing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “coaxing” in Irish

Irish:: bréagadh
English:: coaxing, soothing
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “BRAY-guh” /bʲɾʲeːɡə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: bréagtha, an bhréagtha (e.g. lucht bréagtha, people given to coaxing)

What does “bréagadh” mean?

“Bréagadh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

coaxing: The act of coaxing, cajoling or wheedling someone; the verbal noun of the verb 'bréag'.Also: cajoling, wheedling, enticing, persuasion.

1 other meaning: soothing

2soothing: The act of soothing or calming someone, especially a child, by gentle means; also the verbal noun of 'bréag'.Also: pacifying, calming, comforting.

“Bréagadh” with the article

Here is bréagadh after the article (an t-alt).

an bréagadh

the coaxing

No change after an

“Bréagadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bréagadh, the Irish word for coaxing.

Bhí sí ag bréagadh an linbh chun codladh.

She was soothing the baby to sleep.

Ní raibh aon mhaith sa bhréagadh.

The coaxing was no use.

Tar éis go leor bréagtha, tháinig an madra isteach.

After a lot of coaxing, the dog came in.

Thosaigh sé ag bréagadh a mháthar le haghaidh airgid.

He started wheedling his mother for money.

Níor ghéill sí don bhréagadh.

She didn't give in to the coaxing.

Bhí bréagadh ag teastáil ón bpáiste tar éis titim.

The child needed comforting after the fall.

Is maith leis an gcat bréagadh agus cuimilt.

The cat likes coaxing and petting.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Coaxing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for coaxing?

The Irish for coaxing is bréagadh (pronounced “BRAY-guh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean soothing.

How do you pronounce bréagadh in Irish?

Bréagadh is said like “BRAY-guh” (IPA /bʲɾʲeːɡə/).

Does bréagadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for bréagadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does bréagadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bréagadh can mean coaxing or soothing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bréagadh change to bhréagadh or mbréagadh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bréagadh becomes mo bhréagadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbréagadh (eclipsis).

Is 'bréagadh' related to 'bréag', a lie?

Yes, the verb 'bréag' means to coax or soothe and the noun 'bréag' means a lie; 'bréagadh' is the verbal noun, so 'ag bréagadh linbh' means soothing a child, not lying to it.

How is 'bréagadh' different from 'mealladh'?

'Mealladh' suggests enticing or deceiving, while 'bréagadh' is more often gentle coaxing or comforting, as in 'ag bréagadh an pháiste'.

Coaxing in Irish (Bréagadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage