HeyRuaHow to say “sorrow” in Irish
- Irish:
- brón
- English:
- sorrow
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “brohn” /bɾˠoːnˠ/
- Plural:
- bróin (sorrows)
- Genitive singular:
- bróin, an bhróin (e.g. deora an bhróin, tears of sorrow)
- Genitive plural:
- brón, na mbrón (e.g. Muire na mBrón, Our Lady of Sorrows)
What does “brón” mean?
- sorrow
- A feeling of sadness or grief; also used in 'tá brón orm' to say you are sorry.Also: sadness, grief, regret, sorry.
Other Irish words for sorrow: buairt (sorrow), buaireamh (sorrow), aiféala (regret), mairg (woe)
“Brón” with the article
The plural of sorrow in Irish is bróin. Here is brón after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Brón” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using brón, the Irish word for sorrow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “brón”
Sorrow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sorrow?
The Irish for sorrow is brón (pronounced “brohn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bróin.
How do you pronounce brón in Irish?
Brón is said like “brohn” (IPA /bɾˠoːnˠ/).
What is the plural of sorrow in Irish?
The plural of brón is bróin; with the article, na bróin means “the sorrows”. The genitive plural is brón, as in Muire na mBrón (Our Lady of Sorrows).
Why does brón change to bhrón or mbrón?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) brón becomes mo bhrón (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbrón (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tá brón orm' and 'gabh mo leithscéal'?
'Tá brón orm' expresses regret or sympathy, while 'gabh mo leithscéal' is 'excuse me' or a quick apology, for example when passing someone.
How do I say I regret something?
You can say 'tá aiféala orm' for regret about something you did; 'tá brón orm' is more general sorrow or apology.
