HeyRuaHow to say “sandpiper” in Irish
- Irish:
- gobadán
- English:
- sandpiper, busybody
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GUB-uh-dawn” /ˈɡɔbˠəd̪ˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- gobadáin (sandpipers)
- Genitive singular:
- gobadáin, an ghobadáin (e.g. gob an ghobadáin, the sandpiper's bill)
- Genitive plural:
- gobadán, na ngobadán (e.g. scata gobadán, a flock of sandpipers)
What does “gobadán” mean?
“Gobadán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sandpiper
- A small wading bird with a long thin bill that feeds along shores and riverbanks.Also: wader, shorebird.
1 other meaning: busybody
- 2busybody
- An inquisitive, interfering person who pokes into other people's business.Also: nosey parker, meddler, gossip.
“Gobadán” with the article
The plural of sandpiper in Irish is gobadáin. Here is gobadán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gobadán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gobadán, the Irish word for sandpiper.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sandpiper in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sandpiper?
The Irish for sandpiper is gobadán (pronounced “GUB-uh-dawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gobadáin. Depending on context it can also mean busybody.
How do you pronounce gobadán in Irish?
Gobadán is said like “GUB-uh-dawn” (IPA /ˈɡɔbˠəd̪ˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of sandpiper in Irish?
The plural of gobadán is gobadáin; with the article, na gobadáin means “the sandpipers”. The genitive plural is gobadán, as in scata gobadán (a flock of sandpipers).
Does gobadán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gobadán can mean sandpiper or busybody, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gobadán change to ghobadán or ngobadán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gobadán becomes mo ghobadán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngobadán (eclipsis).
Is gobadán related to the word gob?
Yes, gobadán comes from gob, 'beak', referring to the bird's long bill, and by extension to a person who pokes their nose in.
What is the difference between gobadán and gobachán?
Both can mean a nosey, interfering person, but gobadán is also the usual name for the sandpiper bird.
