HeyRuaHow to say “looking” in Irish
- Irish:
- breathnú
- English:
- looking, observation, consideration
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- breathnaigh, to look (ag breathnú, looking)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAN-oo” /ˈbʲɾʲan̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- breathnaithe, an bhreathnaithe (e.g. am breathnaithe, time for looking)
What does “breathnú” mean?
“Breathnú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- looking
- The act of looking at or watching something; the verbal noun of the verb breathnaigh.Also: watching, look, observing.
2 other meanings: observation or consideration
- 2observation
- Careful observing or examining of something; the verbal noun of breathnaigh.Also: examination, inspection, scrutiny.
- 3consideration
- Thinking something over carefully before deciding.Also: deliberation, reflection.
Other Irish words for looking: féachaint (looking)
“Breathnú” as a verbal noun
After ag, breathnú means looking: it is the verbal noun of the verb breathnaigh (to look). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Breathnú” with the article
Here is breathnú after the article (an t-alt).
“Breathnú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using breathnú, the Irish word for looking.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Looking in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for looking?
The Irish for looking is breathnú (pronounced “BRAN-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean observation or consideration.
How do you pronounce breathnú in Irish?
Breathnú is said like “BRAN-oo” (IPA /ˈbʲɾʲan̪ˠuː/).
Does breathnú have a plural?
No plural form is given for breathnú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does breathnú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Breathnú can mean looking, observation or consideration, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does breathnú change to bhreathnú or mbreathnú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) breathnú becomes mo bhreathnú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbreathnú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between breathnú, féachaint and amharc?
All three mean looking; breathnú is typical of Connacht, féachaint of Munster and amharc of Ulster, and all are standard.
Which preposition follows breathnú?
Use ar: ag breathnú ar an gcluiche, looking at the match.
