HeyRuaHow to say “fierceness” in Irish
- Irish:
- boirbe
- English:
- fierceness, rudeness, rankness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BIR-uh-buh” /ˈbˠɛɾʲəbʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- boirbe, na boirbe (e.g. de bharr bhoirbe na farraige, because of the roughness of the sea)
What does “boirbe” mean?
“Boirbe” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fierceness
- The quality of being fierce, rough or violent, as of a person, the sea or the weather.Also: roughness, violence, harshness.
2 other meanings: rudeness or rankness
- 2rudeness
- Rough, abrupt or uncivil behaviour or manner of speaking.Also: abruptness, gruffness, coarseness.
- 3rankness
- Luxuriant, coarse growth, as of grass or crops on rich ground.Also: lushness, luxuriance.
“Boirbe” with the article
Here is boirbe after the article (an t-alt).
“Boirbe” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using boirbe, the Irish word for fierceness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fierceness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fierceness?
The Irish for fierceness is boirbe (pronounced “BIR-uh-buh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean rudeness or rankness.
How do you pronounce boirbe in Irish?
Boirbe is said like “BIR-uh-buh” (IPA /ˈbˠɛɾʲəbʲə/).
Does boirbe have a plural?
No plural form is given for boirbe in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does boirbe have more than one meaning?
Yes. Boirbe can mean fierceness, rudeness or rankness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does boirbe change to bhoirbe or mboirbe?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) boirbe becomes mo bhoirbe (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mboirbe (eclipsis).
What adjective is boirbe related to?
Boirbe is the abstract noun from the adjective borb, 'fierce, rough, rude', so 'duine borb' is a rude person and 'boirbe' is his rudeness.
