Measles in Irish (Bruitíneach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for measles?

The Irish for measles is bruitíneach (pronounced “brih-TEE-nyukh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “measles” in Irish

Irish:: bruitíneach
English:: measles
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “brih-TEE-nyukh” /bˠɾˠɪˈtʲiːnʲəx/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: bruitíní, na bruitíní (e.g. vacsaín na bruitíní, the measles vaccine)

What does “bruitíneach” mean?

measles: A very infectious disease, mostly of children, that causes fever and a red spotty rash.Also: rubeola, morbilli.

“Bruitíneach” with the article

Here is bruitíneach after the article (an t-alt).

an bhruitíneach

the measles

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Bruitíneach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bruitíneach, the Irish word for measles.

Tá an bhruitíneach ar an bpáiste is óige.

The youngest child has measles.

Bhí bruitíneach orm nuair a bhí mé sé bliana d'aois.

I had measles when I was six.

Tá an bhruitíneach ag scaipeadh sa scoil.

Measles is spreading in the school.

Fuair na páistí vacsaín in aghaidh na bruitíní.

The children got a vaccine against measles.

Is galar an-tógálach í an bhruitíneach.

Measles is a very contagious disease.

Tháinig ráig bhruitíní sa cheantar anuraidh.

There was an outbreak of measles in the area last year.

Bhí comharthaí na bruitíní le feiceáil ar a craiceann.

The signs of measles were visible on her skin.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Measles in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for measles?

The Irish for measles is bruitíneach (pronounced “brih-TEE-nyukh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce bruitíneach in Irish?

Bruitíneach is said like “brih-TEE-nyukh” (IPA /bˠɾˠɪˈtʲiːnʲəx/).

Does bruitíneach have a plural?

No plural form is given for bruitíneach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does bruitíneach change to bhruitíneach or mbruitíneach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bruitíneach becomes mo bhruitíneach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbruitíneach (eclipsis).

Does 'bruitíneach' take the article in Irish?

Yes, it is often used with the article, as in 'Tá an bhruitíneach air' (He has measles), and the illness is said to be 'ar' the person.

What is the Irish for chickenpox, so I don't confuse it with measles?

Chickenpox is 'deilgneach', while measles is 'bruitíneach' and mumps is 'leicneach'.

Measles in Irish (Bruitíneach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage