HeyRuaHow to say “sole” in Irish
- Irish:
- bonn
- English:
- sole, basis, tyre, medal
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bown” /bˠəun̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- boinn (soles)
- Genitive singular:
- boinn, an bhoinn (e.g. luach an bhoinn, the value of the coin)
- Genitive plural:
- bonn, na mbonn (e.g. caitheamh na mbonn, the wear of the soles)
What does “bonn” mean?
“Bonn” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sole
- The underside of the foot or of a shoe.Also: sole of foot, sole of shoe, foot.
3 other meanings: basis or tyre or medal
- 2basis
- The foundation or base on which something rests or is organised, often used in the phrase 'ar bhonn' meaning 'on a ... basis'.Also: foundation, base, footing.
- 3tyre
- The rubber ring fitted around the wheel of a car or bicycle.Also: tire.
- 4medal
- A coin or a metal disc awarded as a prize, such as a gold medal.Also: coin.
Other Irish words for sole: troigh (foot)
“Bonn” with the article
The plural of sole in Irish is boinn. Here is bonn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bonn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bonn, the Irish word for sole.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sole in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sole?
The Irish for sole is bonn (pronounced “bown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is boinn. Depending on context it can also mean basis or tyre or medal.
How do you pronounce bonn in Irish?
Bonn is said like “bown” (IPA /bˠəun̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of sole in Irish?
The plural of bonn is boinn; with the article, na boinn means “the soles”. The genitive plural is bonn, as in caitheamh na mbonn (the wear of the soles).
Does bonn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bonn can mean sole, basis, tyre or medal, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bonn change to bhonn or mbonn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bonn becomes mo bhonn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbonn (eclipsis).
What does 'ar bhonn' mean before an adjective?
It means 'on a ... basis', e.g. 'ar bhonn deonach' (on a voluntary basis) or 'ar bhonn domhanda' (globally).
What does 'ar a cheithre boinn' mean?
It means 'on all fours', as in 'Chuaigh sé ar a cheithre boinn'.
