Danger in Irish (Baol): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for danger?

The Irish for danger is baol (pronounced “bayl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean likelihood.

Q: Does baol have more than one meaning?

Yes. Baol can mean danger or likelihood, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “danger” in Irish

Irish:: baol
English:: danger, likelihood
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “bayl” /bˠeːlˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: baoil, an bhaoil (e.g. comhartha baoil, danger sign)

What does “baol” mean?

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

danger: A situation where harm, injury or loss may happen.Also: peril, risk, jeopardy.

1 other meaning: likelihood

2likelihood: Used in phrases like 'baol air' or 'beag an baol' to express the chance or likelihood of something, often something unwelcome.Also: chance, fear, prospect.

Other Irish words for danger: contúirt (danger), dainséar (danger), guais (danger)

“Baol” with the article

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

an baol

the danger

No change after an

“Baol” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using baol, the Irish word for danger.

Tá baol ann go mbeidh stoirm ann anocht.

There's a danger there'll be a storm tonight.

Bhí an páiste i mbaol a bháite.

The child was in danger of drowning.

Níl aon bhaol ort anseo.

You're in no danger here.

Beag an baol go dtiocfaidh sé in am.

There's little chance he'll come on time.

Chonaic mé comhartha baoil ar an mbóthar.

I saw a danger sign on the road.

Ní baol dó, tá sé láidir go leor.

He's in no danger, he's strong enough.

Chuir sé a shaol féin i mbaol.

He put his own life in danger.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Danger in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for danger?

The Irish for danger is baol (pronounced “bayl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean likelihood.

How do you pronounce baol in Irish?

Baol is said like “bayl” (IPA /bˠeːlˠ/).

Does baol have a plural?

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

Does baol have more than one meaning?

Yes. Baol can mean danger or likelihood, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does baol change to bhaol or mbaol?

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

What is the difference between 'baol' and 'contúirt'?

Both mean danger; 'contúirt' is very common in everyday speech, while 'baol' is also used in set phrases like 'beag an baol' (little chance) and 'i mbaol' (in danger).

What does 'ní baol duit' mean?

It means 'you're in no danger' or 'no fear of you', and can be used to reassure someone.

Danger in Irish (Baol): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage