HeyRuaHow to say “pressure” in Irish
- Irish:
- brú
- English:
- pressure, hostel, crowd
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- brúigh, to press (ag brú, pressing)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “broo” /bˠɾˠuː/
- Plural:
- brúnna (pressures)
- Genitive singular:
- brú, an bhrú (e.g. méid an bhrú, the amount of pressure)
- Genitive plural:
- brúnna, na mbrúnna (e.g. tionchar na mbrúnna, the effect of the pressures)
What does “brú” mean?
“Brú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pressure
- Force pressing on something, or stress and urgency put on a person; also the verbal noun of 'brúigh', the act of pressing or pushing.Also: pushing, pressing, crush, stress.
2 other meanings: hostel or crowd
- 2hostel
- A building offering cheap shared accommodation, especially for travellers or young people.Also: youth hostel, lodge.
- 3crowd
- A dense pushing mass of people, a crush.Also: crush, throng.
“Brú” as a verbal noun
After ag, brú means pressing: it is the verbal noun of the verb brúigh (to press). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Brú” with the article
The plural of pressure in Irish is brúnna. Here is brú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Brú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using brú, the Irish word for pressure.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pressure in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pressure?
The Irish for pressure is brú (pronounced “broo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is brúnna. Depending on context it can also mean hostel or crowd.
How do you pronounce brú in Irish?
Brú is said like “broo” (IPA /bˠɾˠuː/).
What is the plural of pressure in Irish?
The plural of brú is brúnna; with the article, na brúnna means “the pressures”. The genitive plural is brúnna, as in tionchar na mbrúnna (the effect of the pressures).
Does brú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Brú can mean pressure, hostel or crowd, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does brú change to bhrú or mbrú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) brú becomes mo bhrú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbrú (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to put pressure on someone'?
Use 'brú a chur ar dhuine', for example 'Ná cuir brú orm' means 'Don't pressure me'.
Is 'brú' the same as 'brugh', a fairy mansion?
No, 'brú' (pressure, hostel) is distinct from the older 'brugh' as in 'Brú na Bóinne', though the place name is now spelled with 'brú'.
