Salmon in Irish (Bradán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for salmon?

The Irish for salmon is bradán (pronounced “bruh-DAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bradáin. Depending on context it can also mean salmon (as food).

Q: What is the plural of salmon in Irish?

The plural of bradán is bradáin; with the article, na bradáin means “the salmon”. The genitive plural is bradán, as in iascaireacht bradán (salmon fishing).

Q: Does bradán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bradán can mean salmon or salmon (as food), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “salmon” in Irish

Irish:: bradán
English:: salmon, salmon (as food)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “bruh-DAWN” /bˠɾˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bradáin (salmon)
Genitive singular:: bradáin, an bhradáin (e.g. ceann an bhradáin, the head of the salmon)
Genitive plural:: bradán, na mbradán (e.g. iascaireacht bradán, salmon fishing)

What does “bradán” mean?

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

salmon: A large silvery fish that lives in the sea and swims up rivers to spawn.Also: fish, salmon fish.

1 other meaning: salmon (as food)

2salmon (as food): The pink flesh of the salmon eaten as food.Also: salmon, smoked salmon, salmon meat.

“Bradán” with the article

The plural of salmon in Irish is bradáin. Here is bradán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bradán

the salmon

No change after an

na bradáin

the salmon

Plural: no change after na

“Bradán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bradán, the Irish word for salmon.

Rug m'athair ar bhradán mór inné.

My father caught a big salmon yesterday.

Tá an bradán ag snámh suas an abhainn.

The salmon is swimming up the river.

Ba bhreá liom bradán deataithe don dinnéar.

I'd love smoked salmon for dinner.

Tá a lán bradán san abhainn seo.

There are a lot of salmon in this river.

Chonaiceamar na bradáin ag léim thar an eas.

We saw the salmon leaping over the waterfall.

Tá blas iontach ar fheoil an bhradáin.

The salmon's flesh tastes wonderful.

D'ith Fionn Bradán an Fheasa sa scéal.

Fionn ate the Salmon of Knowledge in the story.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Salmon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for salmon?

The Irish for salmon is bradán (pronounced “bruh-DAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bradáin. Depending on context it can also mean salmon (as food).

How do you pronounce bradán in Irish?

Bradán is said like “bruh-DAWN” (IPA /bˠɾˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of salmon in Irish?

The plural of bradán is bradáin; with the article, na bradáin means “the salmon”. The genitive plural is bradán, as in iascaireacht bradán (salmon fishing).

Does bradán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bradán can mean salmon or salmon (as food), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bradán change to bhradán or mbradán?

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

What is 'Bradán an Fheasa'?

It is the Salmon of Knowledge from Irish legend: Fionn Mac Cumhaill gained wisdom by tasting it.

How is 'bradán' different from 'breac'?

'Bradán' is salmon, while 'breac' is trout, a smaller related fish.

Salmon in Irish (Bradán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage