HeyRuaHow to say “limpet” in Irish
- Irish:
- bairneach
- English:
- limpet
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAWR-nyukh” /ˈbˠɑːɾˠn̠ʲəx/
- Plural:
- bairnigh (limpets)
- Genitive singular:
- bairnigh, an bhairnigh (e.g. blaosc an bhairnigh, the limpet's shell)
- Genitive plural:
- bairneach, na mbairneach (e.g. ag piocadh bairneach, picking limpets)
What does “bairneach” mean?
- limpet
- A small shellfish with a cone-shaped shell that clings tightly to rocks on the seashore.Also: common limpet, shellfish.
“Bairneach” with the article
The plural of limpet in Irish is bairnigh. Here is bairneach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bairneach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bairneach, the Irish word for limpet.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Limpet in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for limpet?
The Irish for limpet is bairneach (pronounced “BAWR-nyukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bairnigh.
How do you pronounce bairneach in Irish?
Bairneach is said like “BAWR-nyukh” (IPA /ˈbˠɑːɾˠn̠ʲəx/).
What is the plural of limpet in Irish?
The plural of bairneach is bairnigh; with the article, na bairnigh means “the limpets”. The genitive plural is bairneach, as in ag piocadh bairneach (picking limpets).
Why does bairneach change to bhairneach or mbairneach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bairneach becomes mo bhairneach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbairneach (eclipsis).
Does 'bairneach' mean barnacle?
No, despite the similar sound, 'bairneach' is a limpet. A barnacle is usually 'giúrann' in Irish.
Is there a saying with 'bairneach'?
Clinging tightly is compared to a limpet, as in 'greamaithe mar a bheadh bairneach ar charraig', stuck like a limpet on a rock.
