HeyRuaHow to say “point” in Irish
- Irish:
- bior
- English:
- point, spike, spur
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bir” /bʲɪɾˠ/
- Plural:
- bioranna (points)
- Genitive singular:
- beara, an bheara (e.g. barr an bheara, the tip of the spike)
- Genitive plural:
- bioranna, na mbioranna (e.g. ag déanamh bioranna, making spikes)
What does “bior” mean?
“Bior” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- point
- A sharp pointed end or tip of something.Also: tip, sharp end.
2 other meanings: spike or spur
“Bior” with the article
The plural of point in Irish is bioranna. Here is bior after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bior” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bior, the Irish word for point.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Point in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for point?
The Irish for point is bior (pronounced “bir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bioranna. Depending on context it can also mean spike or spur.
How do you pronounce bior in Irish?
Bior is said like “bir” (IPA /bʲɪɾˠ/).
What is the plural of point in Irish?
The plural of bior is bioranna; with the article, na bioranna means “the points”. The genitive plural is bioranna, as in ag déanamh bioranna (making spikes).
Does bior have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bior can mean point, spike or spur, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bior change to bhior or mbior?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bior becomes mo bhior (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbior (eclipsis).
What is the difference between bior and biorán?
Bior is a point, spike or spit in general, while biorán is a small pin, such as a dressmaker's pin or hairpin.
What does 'ar bior' mean?
'Ar bior' means on edge or eager, as in 'Bhí siad ar bior le himní', they were on edge with anxiety.
