HeyRuaHow to say “meaning” in Irish
- Irish:
- brí
- English:
- meaning, strength, effect
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bree” /bʲɾʲiː/
- Plural:
- bríonna
- Genitive singular:
- brí, na brí (e.g. tábhacht na brí, the importance of the meaning)
- Genitive plural:
- bríonna, na mbríonna (e.g. liosta na mbríonna, the list of meanings)
What does “brí” mean?
“Brí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- meaning
- What a word, statement or action signifies or means.Also: sense, significance, import.
2 other meanings: strength or effect
- 2strength
- Vigour, energy or force in a person or thing.Also: vigour, energy, force, vitality.
- 3effect
- Force, validity or effect, as of a law or argument.Also: force, validity, substance.
“Brí” with the article
The plural of meaning in Irish is bríonna. Here is brí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Brí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using brí, the Irish word for meaning.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Meaning in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for meaning?
The Irish for meaning is brí (pronounced “bree”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bríonna. Depending on context it can also mean strength or effect.
How do you pronounce brí in Irish?
Brí is said like “bree” (IPA /bʲɾʲiː/).
What is the plural of meaning in Irish?
The plural of brí is bríonna; with the article, it is na bríonna. The genitive plural is bríonna, as in liosta na mbríonna (the list of meanings).
Does brí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Brí can mean meaning, strength or effect, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does brí change to bhrí or mbrí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) brí becomes mo bhrí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbrí (eclipsis).
What is the difference between brí and ciall?
Both can mean 'meaning', but ciall also means 'sense' or 'good sense', as in 'ciall cheannaigh'. Brí also means 'energy', as in 'gan bhrí'.
How do I ask what something means?
Say 'Cad is brí leis?' or 'Cad is brí leis an bhfocal seo?' for 'What does this word mean?'.
