Excess in Irish (Barraíocht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for excess?

The Irish for excess is barraíocht (pronounced “BAR-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean superiority.

Q: Does barraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Barraíocht can mean excess or superiority, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “excess” in Irish

Irish:: barraíocht
English:: excess, superiority
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “BAR-ee-ukht” /ˈbˠaɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: barraíochta, na barraíochta (e.g. contúirt na barraíochta, the danger of excess)

What does “barraíocht” mean?

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

excess: An amount that is more than is needed or wanted; too much of something.Also: too much, surplus, overabundance, overkill.

1 other meaning: superiority

2superiority: The state of being better than or surpassing others; advantage or ascendancy (literary).Also: advantage, ascendancy, preeminence.

Other Irish words for excess: iomarca (excess)

“Barraíocht” with the article

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

an bharraíocht

the excess

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Barraíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using barraíocht, the Irish word for excess.

Ceapaim go bhfuil tú ag caitheamh barraíocht ama sa teach tábhairne.

I think you're spending too much time in the pub.

D'ith mé barraíocht aréir.

I ate too much last night.

Ná cuir barraíocht siúcra sa tae.

Don't put too much sugar in the tea.

Tá barraíocht salainn san anraith seo.

There's too much salt in this soup.

Níl aon mhaith sa bharraíocht.

Too much of anything is no good.

Bhí barraíocht daoine ar an mbus ar maidin.

There were too many people on the bus this morning.

Is minic a thagann tinneas as barraíocht oibre.

Illness often comes from overwork.

Other nouns in Irish

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Excess in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for excess?

The Irish for excess is barraíocht (pronounced “BAR-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean superiority.

How do you pronounce barraíocht in Irish?

Barraíocht is said like “BAR-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈbˠaɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does barraíocht have a plural?

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

Does barraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Barraíocht can mean excess or superiority, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does barraíocht change to bharraíocht or mbarraíocht?

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

What is the difference between 'barraíocht' and 'iomarca'?

Both mean too much: 'barraíocht' is especially common in Connacht and Ulster, while 'an iomarca' is widespread in Munster and the standard; both take the genitive, as in 'barraíocht airgid' or 'an iomarca airgid'.

How do I say 'too much' of something with 'barraíocht'?

Put the following noun in the genitive: 'barraíocht ama' means too much time and 'barraíocht bia' means too much food.

Excess in Irish (Barraíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage