HeyRuaHow to say “lane” in Irish
- Irish:
- bóithrín
- English:
- lane
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOH-hreen” /ˈbˠoːhɾʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- bóithríní (lanes)
- Genitive singular:
- bóithrín, an bhóithrín (e.g. bun an bhóithrín, the bottom of the lane)
- Genitive plural:
- bóithríní, na mbóithríní (e.g. fad na mbóithríní, the length of the lanes)
What does “bóithrín” mean?
- lane
- A narrow country road or track, often unpaved, a diminutive of 'bóthar'.Also: boreen, country lane, little road, track.
“Bóithrín” with the article
The plural of lane in Irish is bóithríní. Here is bóithrín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bóithrín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bóithrín, the Irish word for lane.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lane in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lane?
The Irish for lane is bóithrín (pronounced “BOH-hreen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bóithríní.
How do you pronounce bóithrín in Irish?
Bóithrín is said like “BOH-hreen” (IPA /ˈbˠoːhɾʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of lane in Irish?
The plural of bóithrín is bóithríní; with the article, na bóithríní means “the lanes”. The genitive plural is bóithríní, as in fad na mbóithríní (the length of the lanes).
Why does bóithrín change to bhóithrín or mbóithrín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bóithrín becomes mo bhóithrín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbóithrín (eclipsis).
Is 'boreen' in Irish English the same word?
Yes, the Hiberno-English word 'boreen' comes directly from 'bóithrín', the diminutive of 'bóthar' (road).
