HeyRuaHow to say “edge” in Irish
- Irish:
- colbha
- English:
- edge, kerb, ridge
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOL-uh-vuh” /ˈkɔl̪ˠəwə/
- Plural:
- colbhaí (edges)
- Genitive singular:
- colbha, an cholbha (e.g. ar imeall an cholbha, on the edge of the kerb)
- Genitive plural:
- colbhaí, na gcolbhaí (e.g. airde na gcolbhaí, the height of the kerbs)
What does “colbha” mean?
“Colbha” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- edge
- The outer edge or side of something, especially the outer side of a bed.Also: side of bed, border, outer edge.
“Colbha” with the article
The plural of edge in Irish is colbhaí. Here is colbha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Colbha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using colbha, the Irish word for edge.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Edge in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for edge?
The Irish for edge is colbha (pronounced “KOL-uh-vuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is colbhaí. Depending on context it can also mean kerb or ridge.
How do you pronounce colbha in Irish?
Colbha is said like “KOL-uh-vuh” (IPA /ˈkɔl̪ˠəwə/).
What is the plural of edge in Irish?
The plural of colbha is colbhaí; with the article, na colbhaí means “the edges”. The genitive plural is colbhaí, as in airde na gcolbhaí (the height of the kerbs).
Does colbha have more than one meaning?
Yes. Colbha can mean edge, kerb or ridge, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does colbha change to cholbha or gcolbha?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) colbha becomes mo cholbha (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcolbha (eclipsis).
What is the difference between colbha and imeall?
Imeall is the general word for an edge or margin, while colbha is used especially for the side of a bed and for a kerb.
