Heifer in Irish (Bodóg): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for heifer?

The Irish for heifer is bodóg (pronounced “BUD-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bodóga. Depending on context it can also mean big strong woman.

Q: What is the plural of heifer in Irish?

The plural of bodóg is bodóga; with the article, na bodóga means “the heifers”. The genitive plural is bodóg, as in tréad bodóg (a herd of heifers).

Q: Does bodóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bodóg can mean heifer or big strong woman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “heifer” in Irish

Irish:: bodóg
English:: heifer, big strong woman
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BUD-ohg” /ˈbˠɔd̪ˠoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: bodóga (heifers)
Genitive singular:: bodóige, na bodóige (e.g. praghas na bodóige, the price of the heifer)
Genitive plural:: bodóg, na mbodóg (e.g. tréad bodóg, a herd of heifers)

What does “bodóg” mean?

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

heifer: A young cow, especially one that has not yet had a calf.Also: young cow.

1 other meaning: big strong woman

2big strong woman: A figurative, often derogatory word for a big, strong or rough woman.Also: hefty woman, strapping woman, lump of a girl.

“Bodóg” with the article

The plural of heifer in Irish is bodóga. Here is bodóg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhodóg

the heifer

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bodóga

the heifers

Plural: no change after na

“Bodóg” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bodóg, the Irish word for heifer.

Cheannaigh m'athair bodóg ar an aonach inné.

My father bought a heifer at the fair yesterday.

Tá an bhodóg sa pháirc thíos.

The heifer is in the field below.

Bhí adharca na bodóige an-ghéar.

The heifer's horns were very sharp.

Tá sé bhodóg againn i mbliana.

We have six heifers this year.

Chuaigh mo bhodóg isteach i ngarraí na gcomharsan.

My heifer got into the neighbours' field.

Dhíol siad na bodóga go léir sa mhart.

They sold all the heifers at the mart.

Beidh lao ag an mbodóg san earrach.

The heifer will have a calf in the spring.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Heifer in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for heifer?

The Irish for heifer is bodóg (pronounced “BUD-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bodóga. Depending on context it can also mean big strong woman.

How do you pronounce bodóg in Irish?

Bodóg is said like “BUD-ohg” (IPA /ˈbˠɔd̪ˠoːɡ/).

What is the plural of heifer in Irish?

The plural of bodóg is bodóga; with the article, na bodóga means “the heifers”. The genitive plural is bodóg, as in tréad bodóg (a herd of heifers).

Does bodóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bodóg can mean heifer or big strong woman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bodóg change to bhodóg or mbodóg?

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

What is the difference between bodóg and colpach?

A bodóg is a heifer, a young female cow, while a colpach is a yearling or young bovine of either sex, often a bullock.

Heifer in Irish (Bodóg): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage