HeyRuaHow to say “outspoken” in Irish
- Irish:
- neamhbhalbh
- English:
- outspoken, unhesitating
- Word type:
- adjective
- More outspoken:
- níos neamhbhailbhe
- Most outspoken:
- is neamhbhailbhe
- Plural:
- neamhbhalbha
- Pronunciation:
- “NYAV-val-uv” /ˈnʲaʊˌwaləw/
What does “neamhbhalbh” mean?
“Neamhbhalbh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- outspoken
- Saying exactly what you think, plainly and without hesitation.Also: blunt, plain-spoken, frank, forthright.
1 other meaning: unhesitating
- 2unhesitating
- Speaking fluently and confidently, without stammering or holding back.Also: articulate, fluent.
“Neamhbhalbh” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is neamhbhalbh after duine (person, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, neamhbhalbha.
More outspoken, most outspoken, very outspoken
Tá Máire níos neamhbhailbhe ná a deartháir. Máire is more outspoken than her brother.
| more outspoken | níos neamhbhailbhe | in the past tense: ní ba neamhbhailbhe |
|---|---|---|
| most outspoken | is neamhbhailbhe | in the past tense: ba neamhbhailbhe |
| as outspoken as | chomh neamhbhalbh le | no change after chomh |
| very outspoken | an-neamhbhalbh | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too outspoken | róneamhbhalbh | ró- lenites |
“Neamhbhalbh” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Outspoken in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for outspoken?
The Irish for outspoken is neamhbhalbh (pronounced “NYAV-val-uv”). It comes after the noun: duine neamhbhalbh, an outspoken person; bean neamhbhalbh, an outspoken woman.
How do you say more outspoken and most outspoken in Irish?
níos neamhbhailbhe is more outspoken and is neamhbhailbhe is most outspoken. In the past tense they become ní ba neamhbhailbhe and ba neamhbhailbhe.
What is the plural of neamhbhalbh?
With a plural noun neamhbhalbh becomes neamhbhalbha: daoine neamhbhalbha, mná neamhbhalbha.
How do you say very outspoken in Irish?
an-neamhbhalbh. Too outspoken is róneamhbhalbh, and as outspoken as is chomh neamhbhalbh le.
Does neamhbhalbh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Neamhbhalbh can mean outspoken or unhesitating, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How is 'neamhbhalbh' related to 'balbh'?
'Balbh' means dumb or mute, and the prefix 'neamh-' negates it, so 'neamhbhalbh' literally means not mute, hence outspoken.
How do I say 'to speak bluntly'?
Use the adverbial form: 'labhairt go neamhbhalbh', as in 'Labhair sé go neamhbhalbh liom'.
