HeyRuaHow to say “ebb” in Irish
- Irish:
- trá
- English:
- ebb, decline
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- tráigh, to ebb (ag trá, ebbing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “traw” /t̪ˠɾˠaː/
- Genitive singular:
- tráite, an tráite (e.g. am tráite, time of ebb)
What does “trá” mean?
“Trá” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ebb
- The verbal noun of 'tráigh': the going out of the tide, or the act of ebbing.Also: ebbing, ebb tide, low tide.
1 other meaning: decline
- 2decline
- A falling off, lessening or subsiding of something, such as strength, anger or wealth.Also: subsidence, abatement, waning.
Other Irish words for ebb: aife (ebb)
“Trá” as a verbal noun
After ag, trá means ebbing: it is the verbal noun of the verb tráigh (to ebb). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Trá” with the article
Here is trá after the article (an t-alt).
“Trá” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using trá, the Irish word for ebb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ebb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ebb?
The Irish for ebb is trá (pronounced “traw”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean decline.
How do you pronounce trá in Irish?
Trá is said like “traw” (IPA /t̪ˠɾˠaː/).
Does trá have a plural?
No plural form is given for trá in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does trá have more than one meaning?
Yes. Trá can mean ebb or decline, depending on context; the first is the most common. Trá also has its own entry as a noun, feminine meaning beach.
Why does trá change to thrá or dtrá?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) trá becomes mo thrá (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtrá (eclipsis).
Is this 'trá' the same as the word for beach?
No. 'An trá' meaning beach is a separate feminine noun with plural 'tránna'; this masculine 'trá' (genitive 'tráite') is the verbal noun of 'tráigh', to ebb.
