HeyRuaHow to say “milking” in Irish
- Irish:
- bleán
- English:
- milking, milk yield
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- bligh, to milk (ag bleán, milking)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “blyawn” /bʲlʲɑːnˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- bleáin, an bhleáin (e.g. am an bhleáin, milking time)
What does “bleán” mean?
“Bleán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- milking
- The act of drawing milk from a cow, goat or other animal; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'bligh'.Also: milk, dairying.
1 other meaning: milk yield
- 2milk yield
- The amount of milk obtained from an animal at a milking or over a period.Also: yield of milk, milking.
“Bleán” as a verbal noun
After ag, bleán means milking: it is the verbal noun of the verb bligh (to milk). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Bleán” with the article
Here is bleán after the article (an t-alt).
“Bleán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bleán, the Irish word for milking.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Milking in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for milking?
The Irish for milking is bleán (pronounced “blyawn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean milk yield.
How do you pronounce bleán in Irish?
Bleán is said like “blyawn” (IPA /bʲlʲɑːnˠ/).
Does bleán have a plural?
No plural form is given for bleán in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bleán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bleán can mean milking or milk yield, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bleán change to bhleán or mbleán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bleán becomes mo bhleán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbleán (eclipsis).
What verb does 'bleán' come from?
It is the verbal noun of 'bligh' (to milk), so 'ag bleán na bó' means 'milking the cow'.
