Porridge in Irish (Brachán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for porridge?

The Irish for porridge is brachán (pronounced “BRAKH-awn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mess.

Q: Does brachán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Brachán can mean porridge or mess, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “porridge” in Irish

Irish:: brachán
English:: porridge, mess
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BRAKH-awn” /ˈbˠɾˠaxɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: bracháin, an bhracháin (e.g. babhla bracháin, a bowl of porridge)

What does “brachán” mean?

“Brachán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

porridge: A soft food made by boiling oatmeal or meal in water or milk.Also: stirabout, gruel, oatmeal.

1 other meaning: mess

2mess: A confused or badly done state of affairs, a muddle.Also: muddle, hotchpotch, botch.

Other Irish words for porridge: leite (porridge), potáiste (porridge)

“Brachán” with the article

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

an brachán

the porridge

No change after an

“Brachán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using brachán, the Irish word for porridge.

Ithim brachán gach maidin roimh an scoil.

I eat porridge every morning before school.

Tá an brachán róthe fós, fan nóiméad.

The porridge is still too hot, wait a minute.

Cuir beagán siúcra ar do bhrachán.

Put a little sugar on your porridge.

Bhí boladh bracháin ar fud na cistine.

There was a smell of porridge all over the kitchen.

Rinne mo mháthair pota mór bracháin dúinn.

My mother made a big pot of porridge for us.

Rinne sé brachán den obair ar fad.

He made a mess of the whole job.

Is maith liom bainne fuar sa bhrachán.

I like cold milk in my porridge.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Porridge in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for porridge?

The Irish for porridge is brachán (pronounced “BRAKH-awn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mess.

How do you pronounce brachán in Irish?

Brachán is said like “BRAKH-awn” (IPA /ˈbˠɾˠaxɑːnˠ/).

Does brachán have a plural?

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

Does brachán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Brachán can mean porridge or mess, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does brachán change to bhrachán or mbrachán?

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

What is the difference between brachán and leite?

Both mean porridge; leite is the usual word in Connacht and Ulster, while brachán is common in Munster and also means stirabout or gruel generally.

How do I say someone made a mess of something?

You can say 'rinne sé brachán de', meaning he made a mess of it; 'praiseach' is used the same way.

Porridge in Irish (Brachán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage