Herding in Irish (Buachailleacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for herding?

The Irish for herding is buachailleacht (pronounced “BOO-uh-khil-yakht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean minding.

Q: Does buachailleacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buachailleacht can mean herding or minding, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “herding” in Irish

Irish:: buachailleacht
English:: herding, minding
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “BOO-uh-khil-yakht” /ˈbuəxəlʲəxt̪/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: buachailleachta, na buachailleachta (e.g. obair na buachailleachta, the work of herding)

What does “buachailleacht” mean?

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

herding: The work of minding cattle or other animals while they graze; it is the verbal noun use of herding.Also: cattle herding, minding cattle, tending cattle, herdsmanship.

1 other meaning: minding

2minding: Looking after or keeping watch over someone or something, used figuratively.Also: looking after, watching over, guarding.

“Buachailleacht” with the article

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

an bhuachailleacht

the herding

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Buachailleacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buachailleacht, the Irish word for herding.

Bhí sé ag buachailleacht ar an sliabh.

He was herding on the mountain.

Ba í an bhuachailleacht a chéad phost.

Herding was his first job.

Chaith sí an samhradh ag buachailleacht bó.

She spent the summer minding cows.

Is maith liom obair na buachailleachta.

I like the work of herding.

Ní raibh aon mhadra aige don bhuachailleacht.

He had no dog for the herding.

Bhíodh na páistí ag buachailleacht fadó.

Children used to herd cattle long ago.

Tá buachailleacht chrua ar na sléibhte sin.

There is hard herding on those mountains.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

méadamount táillefee coimisiúncommission léitheoireachtreading airteagalarticle aiscegift

Herding in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for herding?

The Irish for herding is buachailleacht (pronounced “BOO-uh-khil-yakht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean minding.

How do you pronounce buachailleacht in Irish?

Buachailleacht is said like “BOO-uh-khil-yakht” (IPA /ˈbuəxəlʲəxt̪/).

Does buachailleacht have a plural?

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

Does buachailleacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buachailleacht can mean herding or minding, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buachailleacht change to bhuachailleacht or mbuachailleacht?

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

Is 'buachailleacht' related to 'buachaill'?

Yes, 'buachaill' originally meant a cowherd, so 'buachailleacht' is the work of a herd, as in 'ag buachailleacht bó'. It does not mean boyhood.

Herding in Irish (Buachailleacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage