HeyRuaHow to say “increase” in Irish
- Irish:
- breisiú
- English:
- increase, top-up
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- breisigh, to increase (ag breisiú, increasing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BRESH-oo” /bʲɾʲɛʃuː/
- Genitive singular:
- breisithe, an bhreisithe (e.g. cárta breisithe, top-up card)
What does “breisiú” mean?
“Breisiú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- increase
- The act of increasing or adding to something; verbal noun of the verb breisigh.Also: increasing, addition, adding, augmentation, growth.
“Breisiú” as a verbal noun
After ag, breisiú means increasing: it is the verbal noun of the verb breisigh (to increase). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Breisiú” with the article
Here is breisiú after the article (an t-alt).
“Breisiú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using breisiú, the Irish word for increase.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Increase in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for increase?
The Irish for increase is breisiú (pronounced “BRESH-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean top-up.
How do you pronounce breisiú in Irish?
Breisiú is said like “BRESH-oo” (IPA /bʲɾʲɛʃuː/).
Does breisiú have a plural?
No plural form is given for breisiú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does breisiú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Breisiú can mean increase or top-up, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does breisiú change to bhreisiú or mbreisiú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) breisiú becomes mo bhreisiú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbreisiú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between breisiú and méadú?
Both mean increase, but méadú is the more general everyday word, while breisiú suggests adding to something, and is also used for topping up phone credit.
