HeyRuaHow to say “deafness” in Irish
- Irish:
- bodhaire
- English:
- deafness, dullness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOW-ir-uh” /ˈbˠəuɾʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- bodhaire, na bodhaire (e.g. cúis na bodhaire, the cause of the deafness)
What does “bodhaire” mean?
“Bodhaire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- deafness
- The condition of being unable to hear, or of having poor hearing.Also: hearing loss, being deaf.
1 other meaning: dullness
- 2dullness
- A dull, muffled or numb quality, as in a dull sound or a numbness of the senses.Also: muffled sound, numbness.
“Bodhaire” with the article
Here is bodhaire after the article (an t-alt).
“Bodhaire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bodhaire, the Irish word for deafness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Deafness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for deafness?
The Irish for deafness is bodhaire (pronounced “BOW-ir-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dullness.
How do you pronounce bodhaire in Irish?
Bodhaire is said like “BOW-ir-uh” (IPA /ˈbˠəuɾʲə/).
Does bodhaire have a plural?
No plural form is given for bodhaire in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bodhaire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bodhaire can mean deafness or dullness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bodhaire change to bhodhaire or mbodhaire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bodhaire becomes mo bhodhaire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbodhaire (eclipsis).
How do I say someone is deaf?
Use the adjective: 'Tá sé bodhar' (he is deaf), or the noun with ar: 'Tá bodhaire air'.
What does 'bodhaire Uí Laoire' mean?
It is an idiom for feigned or selective deafness, pretending not to hear.
