HeyRuaHow to say “javelin” in Irish
- Irish:
- biorgha
- English:
- javelin
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BIR-uh-guh” /ˈbʲɪɾˠəɣə/
- Plural:
- biorghathanna (javelins)
- Genitive singular:
- biorgha, an bhiorgha (e.g. caitheamh an bhiorgha, throwing the javelin)
- Genitive plural:
- biorghathanna, na mbiorghathanna (e.g. caitheamh na mbiorghathanna, the throwing of the javelins)
What does “biorgha” mean?
- javelin
- A light spear thrown in athletics competitions, or used as a weapon.Also: spear, dart.
“Biorgha” with the article
The plural of javelin in Irish is biorghathanna. Here is biorgha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Biorgha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using biorgha, the Irish word for javelin.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Javelin in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for javelin?
The Irish for javelin is biorgha (pronounced “BIR-uh-guh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is biorghathanna.
How do you pronounce biorgha in Irish?
Biorgha is said like “BIR-uh-guh” (IPA /ˈbʲɪɾˠəɣə/).
What is the plural of javelin in Irish?
The plural of biorgha is biorghathanna; with the article, na biorghathanna means “the javelins”. The genitive plural is biorghathanna, as in caitheamh na mbiorghathanna (the throwing of the javelins).
Why does biorgha change to bhiorgha or mbiorgha?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) biorgha becomes mo bhiorgha (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbiorgha (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'biorgha' and 'sleá'?
'Sleá' is the general word for a spear or lance, while 'biorgha' is the usual word for the javelin in athletics, as in 'caitheamh an bhiorgha'.
Is 'biorgha' the word for a pike, the long infantry weapon?
No, a pike is usually 'píce' in Irish; 'biorgha' means a javelin, a lighter spear made for throwing.
