HeyRuaHow to say “spying” in Irish
- Irish:
- brathadóireacht
- English:
- spying, betrayal, detection
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAH-uh-doh-ir-akht” /ˈbɾˠahəd̪ˠoːɾʲəxt̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- brathadóireachta, na brathadóireachta (e.g. scéal brathadóireachta, a spy story)
What does “brathadóireacht” mean?
“Brathadóireacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spying
- The activity of secretly watching people or gathering information about them, especially as a spy or informer.Also: espionage, informing, snooping.
2 other meanings: betrayal or detection
- 2betrayal
- The act of betraying someone by informing on them.Also: betraying, treachery.
- 3detection
- The work of detecting or investigating something, such as finding out who committed a crime.Also: detective work, investigation.
Other Irish words for spying: spiaireacht (spying)
“Brathadóireacht” with the article
Here is brathadóireacht after the article (an t-alt).
“Brathadóireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using brathadóireacht, the Irish word for spying.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spying in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spying?
The Irish for spying is brathadóireacht (pronounced “BRAH-uh-doh-ir-akht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean betrayal or detection.
How do you pronounce brathadóireacht in Irish?
Brathadóireacht is said like “BRAH-uh-doh-ir-akht” (IPA /ˈbɾˠahəd̪ˠoːɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).
Does brathadóireacht have a plural?
No plural form is given for brathadóireacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does brathadóireacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Brathadóireacht can mean spying, betrayal or detection, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does brathadóireacht change to bhrathadóireacht or mbrathadóireacht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) brathadóireacht becomes mo bhrathadóireacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbrathadóireacht (eclipsis).
What is the difference between brathadóireacht and spiaireacht?
Both can mean spying; spiaireacht is the usual word for espionage by a spy, while brathadóireacht also carries the idea of informing on or betraying people, from brathadóir, an informer or spy.
