HeyRuaHow to say “roe” in Irish
- Irish:
- eochraí
- English:
- roe
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OKH-ree” /ˈɔxɾˠiː/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- eochraí, na heochraí (e.g. blas na heochraí, the taste of roe)
What does “eochraí” mean?
- roe
- The mass of eggs inside a female fish, or the eggs fish lay in the water.Also: spawn, fish eggs, hard roe.
“Eochraí” with the article
Here is eochraí after the article (an t-alt).
an eochraí
the roe
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an
“Eochraí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eochraí, the Irish word for roe.
Tá eochraí sa bhradán seo.
This salmon has roe in it.
Itheann daoine áirithe eochraí le harán.
Some people eat roe with bread.
Bhain sé an eochraí as an iasc.
He took the roe out of the fish.
Is maith liom blas na heochraí.
I like the taste of the roe.
Leagann an breac a eochraí sa ghairbhéal.
The trout lays its spawn in the gravel.
Bíonn go leor eochraí i scadán san earrach.
A herring has a lot of roe in spring.
Cheannaigh mé eochraí troisc sa siopa éisc.
I bought cod roe in the fish shop.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Roe in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for roe?
The Irish for roe is eochraí (pronounced “OKH-ree”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce eochraí in Irish?
Eochraí is said like “OKH-ree” (IPA /ˈɔxɾˠiː/).
Does eochraí have a plural?
No plural form is given for eochraí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does eochraí sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eochraí (the roe), a heochraí (her roe), a n-eochraí (their roe).
Is 'eochraí' related to 'eochair', a key?
No, they are different words: 'eochair' means a key, while 'eochraí' means fish roe or spawn.
