Gap in Irish (Bearna): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for gap?

The Irish for gap is bearna (pronounced “BYAR-nuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bearnaí. Depending on context it can also mean mountain pass or gap, deficiency.

Q: What is the plural of gap in Irish?

The plural of bearna is bearnaí; with the article, na bearnaí means “the gaps”. The genitive plural is bearnaí, as in líon na mbearnaí (the number of gaps).

Q: Does bearna have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bearna can mean gap, mountain pass or gap, deficiency, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “gap” in Irish

Irish:: bearna
English:: gap, mountain pass, gap, deficiency
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “BYAR-nuh” /ˈbʲaːɾˠn̪ˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: bearnaí (gaps)
Genitive singular:: bearna, na bearna (e.g. taobh na bearna, the side of the gap)
Genitive plural:: bearnaí, na mbearnaí (e.g. líon na mbearnaí, the number of gaps)

What does “bearna” mean?

“Bearna” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

gap: An opening or break in something such as a wall, hedge or fence, or a space between two things.Also: opening, breach, space.

2 other meanings: mountain pass or gap, deficiency

2mountain pass: A narrow way through mountains or hills.Also: pass, gap.
3gap, deficiency: Something missing or lacking, such as a gap in knowledge or a gap in the teeth.Also: gap, deficiency, shortfall, lack.

“Bearna” with the article

The plural of gap in Irish is bearnaí. Here is bearna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhearna

the gap

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bearnaí

the gaps

Plural: no change after na

“Bearna” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bearna, the Irish word for gap.

Seachain an bhearna idir an traein agus an t-ardán.

Mind the gap between the train and the platform.

Tá bearna sa chlaí agus d'éalaigh na ba.

There's a gap in the hedge and the cows got out.

Tá bearna idir a fiacla tosaigh.

She has a gap between her front teeth.

Dhún an feirmeoir na bearnaí go léir sa chlaí.

The farmer closed all the gaps in the hedge.

Shiúlamar trí bhearna sna sléibhte.

We walked through a pass in the mountains.

Sheas sé i lár na bearna.

He stood in the middle of the gap.

Líon sí an bhearna i mo chuid eolais.

She filled the gap in my knowledge.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Gap in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gap?

The Irish for gap is bearna (pronounced “BYAR-nuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bearnaí. Depending on context it can also mean mountain pass or gap, deficiency.

How do you pronounce bearna in Irish?

Bearna is said like “BYAR-nuh” (IPA /ˈbʲaːɾˠn̪ˠə/).

What is the plural of gap in Irish?

The plural of bearna is bearnaí; with the article, na bearnaí means “the gaps”. The genitive plural is bearnaí, as in líon na mbearnaí (the number of gaps).

Does bearna have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bearna can mean gap, mountain pass or gap, deficiency, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bearna change to bhearna or mbearna?

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

What does 'seasamh sa bhearna bhaoil' mean?

It means to stand in the gap of danger, to take on the risk to protect others. The phrase 'bearna bhaoil' is a well known idiom.

Gap in Irish (Bearna): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage