HeyRuaHow to say “ruin” in Irish
- Irish:
- ballóg
- English:
- ruin, speck
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAL-ohg” /ˈbˠalˠoːɡ/
- Plural:
- ballóga (ruins)
- Genitive singular:
- ballóige, na ballóige (e.g. ballaí na ballóige, the walls of the ruin)
- Genitive plural:
- ballóg, na mballóg (e.g. suíomh na mballóg, the site of the ruins)
What does “ballóg” mean?
“Ballóg” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ruin
- A roofless, ruined house or building whose walls are still standing.Also: ruined house, roofless house, shell of a building.
“Ballóg” with the article
The plural of ruin in Irish is ballóga. Here is ballóg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ballóg” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ballóg, the Irish word for ruin.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ruin in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ruin?
The Irish for ruin is ballóg (pronounced “BAL-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ballóga. Depending on context it can also mean speck.
How do you pronounce ballóg in Irish?
Ballóg is said like “BAL-ohg” (IPA /ˈbˠalˠoːɡ/).
What is the plural of ruin in Irish?
The plural of ballóg is ballóga; with the article, na ballóga means “the ruins”. The genitive plural is ballóg, as in suíomh na mballóg (the site of the ruins).
Does ballóg have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ballóg can mean ruin or speck, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ballóg change to bhallóg or mballóg?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ballóg becomes mo bhallóg (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mballóg (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'ballóg' and 'fothrach'?
Both mean a ruin, but 'ballóg' usually means a roofless house with its walls still standing, while 'fothrach' is used more widely for any ruined building, such as an old abbey or castle.
