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Softness in Irish (Boige): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘boige’ also means: gentleness

The Irish for softness is boige, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “softness” in Irish

Irish:
boige
English:
softness, gentleness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“BOG-eh”  /ˈbˠɛɟə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
boige, na boige (e.g. mothú na boige, the feeling of softness)

What does “boige” mean?

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

softness
The quality of being soft, tender or gentle to the touch.Also: tenderness, mildness.
1 other meaning: gentleness
2gentleness
Mildness or leniency of manner or character.Also: leniency, mildness.

“Boige” with the article

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

an bhoige
the softness
Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Boige” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using boige, the Irish word for softness.

Thaitin boige an éadaigh liom.
I liked the softness of the cloth.
Tá boige ina glór.
There is a softness in her voice.
Bhraith mé an bhoige faoi mo chosa.
I felt the softness under my feet.
Bhí an iomarca boige ann leis na páistí.
He was too soft with the children.
Labhair sé le boige agus le cineáltas.
He spoke with gentleness and kindness.
Tá boige san aimsir inniu.
The weather is mild today.
Is iontach boige an aráin úir seo.
The softness of this fresh bread is wonderful.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Softness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for softness?

The Irish for softness is boige (pronounced “BOG-eh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gentleness.

How do you pronounce boige in Irish?

Boige is said like “BOG-eh” (IPA /ˈbˠɛɟə/).

Does boige have a plural?

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

Does boige have more than one meaning?

Yes. Boige can mean softness or gentleness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does boige change to bhoige or mboige?

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

How is boige related to bog?

Boige is the abstract noun from the adjective bog 'soft', and it is also the comparative form: níos boige 'softer'.

Does bog as a noun mean the same?

No, the noun for a bog is portach or móin; boige only means softness.

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