HeyRuaHow to say “poverty” in Irish
- Irish:
- bochtanas
- English:
- poverty
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOKH-tuh-nus” /ˈbˠɔxt̪ˠənˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- bochtanais, an bhochtanais (e.g. leibhéal an bhochtanais, the level of poverty)
What does “bochtanas” mean?
- poverty
- The state of being poor and lacking money or the things needed to live.Also: want, need, destitution.
Other Irish words for poverty: daibhreas (poverty)
“Bochtanas” with the article
Here is bochtanas after the article (an t-alt).
“Bochtanas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bochtanas, the Irish word for poverty.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Poverty in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for poverty?
The Irish for poverty is bochtanas (pronounced “BOKH-tuh-nus”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce bochtanas in Irish?
Bochtanas is said like “BOKH-tuh-nus” (IPA /ˈbˠɔxt̪ˠənˠəsˠ/).
Does bochtanas have a plural?
No plural form is given for bochtanas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does bochtanas change to bhochtanas or mbochtanas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bochtanas becomes mo bhochtanas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbochtanas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bochtanas' and 'bochtaineacht'?
Both mean poverty and are largely interchangeable; 'bochtanas' is the more common general word, while 'bochtaineacht' can also suggest the condition of the poor.
