Road in Irish (Bóthar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for road?

The Irish for road is bóthar (pronounced “BOH-hur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bóithre. Depending on context it can also mean way, journey.

Q: What is the plural of road in Irish?

The plural of bóthar is bóithre; with the article, na bóithre means “the roads”. The genitive plural is bóithre, as in líonra na mbóithre (the road network).

Q: Does bóthar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bóthar can mean road or way, journey, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “road” in Irish

Irish:: bóthar
English:: road, way, journey
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BOH-hur” /ˈbˠoːhəɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bóithre (roads)
Genitive singular:: bóthair, an bhóthair (e.g. taobh an bhóthair, the side of the road)
Genitive plural:: bóithre, na mbóithre (e.g. líonra na mbóithre, the road network)

What does “bóthar” mean?

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

road: A way built for cars, bikes and people to travel from one place to another.Also: roadway, route, way.

1 other meaning: way, journey

2way, journey: Used figuratively for a journey or for leaving, as in 'bóthar a bhualadh', to set off or be sent packing.Also: journey, departure.

Other Irish words for road: bealach (way), sráid (street)

“Bóthar” with the article

The plural of road in Irish is bóithre. Here is bóthar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bóthar

the road

No change after an

na bóithre

the roads

Plural: no change after na

“Bóthar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bóthar, the Irish word for road.

Tá an bóthar fliuch inniu.

The road is wet today.

Shiúil sí trasna an bhóthair.

She walked across the road.

Tá na bóithre go dona sa gheimhreadh.

The roads are bad in winter.

Bhuail mé le Seán ar an mbóthar.

I met Seán on the road.

Tá teach nua ar mo bhóthar.

There is a new house on my road.

Dúnadh an bóthar mar gheall ar thimpiste.

The road was closed because of an accident.

Bhuail siad an bóthar go luath ar maidin.

They set off early in the morning.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

briatharverb feachtascampaign íocaíochtpayment sliabhmountain spásspace spreagadhencouragement

Phrases with “bóthar”

Go n-éirí an bóthar leatmay the road rise to meet you

Road in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for road?

The Irish for road is bóthar (pronounced “BOH-hur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bóithre. Depending on context it can also mean way, journey.

How do you pronounce bóthar in Irish?

Bóthar is said like “BOH-hur” (IPA /ˈbˠoːhəɾˠ/).

What is the plural of road in Irish?

The plural of bóthar is bóithre; with the article, na bóithre means “the roads”. The genitive plural is bóithre, as in líonra na mbóithre (the road network).

Does bóthar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bóthar can mean road or way, journey, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bóthar change to bhóthar or mbóthar?

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

What does 'bóthar a bhualadh' mean?

'Bóthar a bhualadh' means to set off on a journey; 'an bóthar a thabhairt do dhuine' means to send someone packing.

What is the difference between 'bóthar' and 'sráid'?

'Bóthar' is a road, especially outside a town, while 'sráid' is a street in a town or city.

Road in Irish (Bóthar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage