HeyRuaHow to say “lie” in Irish
- Irish:
- bréag
- English:
- lie, deception
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bree-ug” /bʲɾʲiəɡ/
- Plural:
- bréaga (lies)
- Genitive singular:
- bréige, na bréige (e.g. ainm bréige, a false name)
- Genitive plural:
- bréag, na mbréag (e.g. ag insint bréag, telling lies)
What does “bréag” mean?
“Bréag” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lie
- Something said that the speaker knows is not true.Also: falsehood, untruth, fib.
1 other meaning: deception
- 2deception
- Falseness or deceit; in the genitive it often means false or fake, as in 'ainm bréige'.Also: deceit, falseness, fake.
Other Irish words for lie: luigh (lie)
“Bréag” with the article
The plural of lie in Irish is bréaga. Here is bréag after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bréag” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bréag, the Irish word for lie.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lie in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lie?
The Irish for lie is bréag (pronounced “bree-ug”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bréaga. Depending on context it can also mean deception.
How do you pronounce bréag in Irish?
Bréag is said like “bree-ug” (IPA /bʲɾʲiəɡ/).
What is the plural of lie in Irish?
The plural of bréag is bréaga; with the article, na bréaga means “the lies”. The genitive plural is bréag, as in ag insint bréag (telling lies).
Does bréag have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bréag can mean lie or deception, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bréag change to bhréag or mbréag?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bréag becomes mo bhréag (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbréag (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bréag' and 'éitheach'?
Both mean a lie, but 'bréag' is the everyday word; 'éitheach' is more literary or used in phrases like 'thug tú d'éitheach' (you lied).
How do I say 'fake' or 'false' using this word?
Use the genitive after a noun: 'fiacla bréige' (false teeth), 'ainm bréige' (false name). The prefix 'bréag-' also works, as in 'bréagchairde'.
