HeyRuaHow to say “sorrow” in Irish
- Irish:
- buairt
- English:
- sorrow, worry, vexation
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “boo-irt” /bˠuəɾˠtʲ/
- Plural:
- buarthaí (sorrows)
- Genitive singular:
- buartha, na buartha (e.g. cúis buartha, cause of sorrow)
- Genitive plural:
- buarthaí, na mbuarthaí (e.g. ualach na mbuarthaí, the burden of worries)
What does “buairt” mean?
“Buairt” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sorrow
- A feeling of grief or deep sadness, especially over a loss or trouble.Also: grief, distress, sadness.
2 other meanings: worry or vexation
“Buairt” with the article
The plural of sorrow in Irish is buarthaí. Here is buairt after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Buairt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using buairt, the Irish word for sorrow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sorrow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sorrow?
The Irish for sorrow is buairt (pronounced “boo-irt”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is buarthaí. Depending on context it can also mean worry or vexation.
How do you pronounce buairt in Irish?
Buairt is said like “boo-irt” (IPA /bˠuəɾˠtʲ/).
What is the plural of sorrow in Irish?
The plural of buairt is buarthaí; with the article, na buarthaí means “the sorrows”. The genitive plural is buarthaí, as in ualach na mbuarthaí (the burden of worries).
Does buairt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Buairt can mean sorrow, worry or vexation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does buairt change to bhuairt or mbuairt?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) buairt becomes mo bhuairt (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbuairt (eclipsis).
What is the difference between buairt and imní?
Imní is the usual everyday word for worry or anxiety, while buairt leans more towards sorrow or distress, though it can also mean worry: 'tá imní orm' is more common than 'tá buairt orm' for simple worry.
