HeyRuaHow to say “herb” in Irish
- Irish:
- luibh
- English:
- herb, plant
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “liv” /l̪ˠɪvʲ/
- Plural:
- luibheanna (herbs)
- Genitive singular:
- luibhe, na luibhe (e.g. boladh na luibhe, the smell of the herb)
- Genitive plural:
- luibheanna, na luibheanna (e.g. gairdín luibheanna, a herb garden)
What does “luibh” mean?
“Luibh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- herb
- A small plant used for flavouring food or as a medicine.Also: medicinal plant, culinary herb.
“Luibh” with the article
The plural of herb in Irish is luibheanna. Here is luibh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Luibh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using luibh, the Irish word for herb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Herb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for herb?
The Irish for herb is luibh (pronounced “liv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is luibheanna. Depending on context it can also mean plant.
How do you pronounce luibh in Irish?
Luibh is said like “liv” (IPA /l̪ˠɪvʲ/).
What is the plural of herb in Irish?
The plural of luibh is luibheanna; with the article, na luibheanna means “the herbs”. The genitive plural is luibheanna, as in gairdín luibheanna (a herb garden).
Does luibh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Luibh can mean herb or plant, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between luibh and lus?
Both mean a plant or herb; lus is common in plant names such as lus an chromchinn, while luibh is the usual word for a herb in general.
How do I say 'herbal medicine' in Irish?
You can say luibhíocht for herbalism, or leigheas luibheanna for herbal remedies.
