Pin in Irish (Biorán): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for pin?

The Irish for pin is biorán (pronounced “bir-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bioráin. Depending on context it can also mean hand (of clock) or knitting needle.

Q: What is the plural of pin in Irish?

The plural of biorán is bioráin; with the article, na bioráin means “the pins”. The genitive plural is biorán, as in bosca na mbiorán (the pin box).

Q: Does biorán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Biorán can mean pin, hand (of clock) or knitting needle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “pin” in Irish

Irish:: biorán
English:: pin, hand (of clock), knitting needle
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “bir-AWN” /bʲɪˈɾˠɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bioráin (pins)
Genitive singular:: bioráin, an bhioráin (e.g. barr an bhioráin, the point of the pin)
Genitive plural:: biorán, na mbiorán (e.g. bosca na mbiorán, the pin box)

What does “biorán” mean?

“Biorán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

pin: A small thin pointed piece of metal used for fastening things together.Also: hairpin, skewer, peg.

2 other meanings: hand (of clock) or knitting needle

2hand (of clock): One of the pointers that move around the face of a clock or watch.Also: clock hand, hand, pointer, watch hand.
3knitting needle: A long thin rod used for knitting, usually in the phrase biorán cniotála.Also: needle.

Other Irish words for pin: pionna (pin), peig (peg), bróiste (brooch)

“Biorán” with the article

The plural of pin in Irish is bioráin. Here is biorán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an biorán

the pin

No change after an

na bioráin

the pins

Plural: no change after na

“Biorán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using biorán, the Irish word for pin.

An bhfuil biorán agat?

Have you got a pin?

Chuir mé an biorán i mo léine.

I put the pin in my shirt.

Ghortaigh barr an bhioráin mo mhéar.

The point of the pin hurt my finger.

Tá na bioráin sa bhosca sin.

The pins are in that box.

Chaill mé mo bhiorán dúnta.

I lost my safety pin.

Bhí an biorán mór ar an dó déag.

The big hand was on twelve.

Ceannaigh paicéad biorán sa siopa dom.

Buy a packet of pins in the shop for me.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Pin in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pin?

The Irish for pin is biorán (pronounced “bir-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bioráin. Depending on context it can also mean hand (of clock) or knitting needle.

How do you pronounce biorán in Irish?

Biorán is said like “bir-AWN” (IPA /bʲɪˈɾˠɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of pin in Irish?

The plural of biorán is bioráin; with the article, na bioráin means “the pins”. The genitive plural is biorán, as in bosca na mbiorán (the pin box).

Does biorán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Biorán can mean pin, hand (of clock) or knitting needle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does biorán change to bhiorán or mbiorán?

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

What is the difference between biorán and snáthaid?

A biorán is a pin for fastening, while a snáthaid is a sewing needle with an eye for thread.

What is 'biorán suain'?

In folk tales a biorán suain is a magic pin that puts a person into an enchanted sleep.

Pin in Irish (Biorán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage