Roughness in Irish (Gairbhe): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for roughness?

The Irish for roughness is gairbhe (pronounced “GAR-uh-vuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean rudeness.

Q: Does gairbhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gairbhe can mean roughness or rudeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “roughness” in Irish

Irish:: gairbhe
English:: roughness, rudeness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “GAR-uh-vuh” /ˈɡaɾʲəvʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gairbhe, na gairbhe (e.g. de bharr gairbhe na farraige, because of the roughness of the sea)

What does “gairbhe” mean?

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

roughness: The quality of being rough or coarse, as of a surface, cloth or weather.Also: coarseness, harshness.

1 other meaning: rudeness

2rudeness: Coarseness or crudeness of manner or speech.Also: crudeness, coarseness of manner.

“Gairbhe” with the article

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

an ghairbhe

the roughness

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gairbhe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gairbhe, the Irish word for roughness.

Bhraith mé gairbhe an éadaigh ar mo chraiceann.

I felt the roughness of the cloth on my skin.

Chuir gairbhe na farraige moill ar an mbád.

The roughness of the sea delayed the boat.

Ní maith liom an ghairbhe ina chuid cainte.

I don't like the coarseness in his speech.

Chuir gairbhe na gaoithe isteach orainn inniu.

The roughness of the wind bothered us today.

Mhaolaigh an páipéar gainimh gairbhe an adhmaid.

The sandpaper smoothed the roughness of the wood.

Bhí iontas orm faoi ghairbhe a cuid cainte.

I was surprised at how rough her talk was.

Tá gairbhe ina ghuth inniu.

There is a roughness in his voice today.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cosaintdefence aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord cléleft stocstock

Roughness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for roughness?

The Irish for roughness is gairbhe (pronounced “GAR-uh-vuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean rudeness.

How do you pronounce gairbhe in Irish?

Gairbhe is said like “GAR-uh-vuh” (IPA /ˈɡaɾʲəvʲə/).

Does gairbhe have a plural?

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

Does gairbhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gairbhe can mean roughness or rudeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gairbhe change to ghairbhe or ngairbhe?

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

How is 'gairbhe' related to 'garbh'?

'Gairbhe' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'garbh' (rough), and is also its comparative form: 'níos gairbhe' means 'rougher'.

Roughness in Irish (Gairbhe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage