HeyRuaHow to say “start” in Irish
- Irish:
- preab
- English:
- start, bounce, throb, kick
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “prab” /pʲɾʲab/
- Plural:
- preaba (starts)
- Genitive singular:
- preibe, na preibe (e.g. ainneoin na preibe, despite the start)
- Genitive plural:
- preab, na bpreab (e.g. líon na bpreab, the number of bounces)
What does “preab” mean?
“Preab” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- start
- A sudden jump or jerk of the body, for example from fright or surprise.Also: jump, jerk, sudden movement.
3 other meanings: bounce or throb or kick
- 2bounce
- A bounce or hop, especially of a ball hitting the ground.Also: hop, rebound.
- 3throb
- A beat, throb or twitch, as of the heart or a muscle.Also: beat, twitch, pulse.
- 4kick
- A sudden kick or spurt of energy, as of an animal or a person.Also: spurt, burst of energy.
Other Irish words for start: tús (beginning), tosaigh (begin), tosach (beginning), geit (start)
“Preab” with the article
The plural of start in Irish is preaba. Here is preab after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Preab” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using preab, the Irish word for start.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Start in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for start?
The Irish for start is preab (pronounced “prab”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is preaba. Depending on context it can also mean bounce or throb or kick.
How do you pronounce preab in Irish?
Preab is said like “prab” (IPA /pʲɾʲab/).
What is the plural of start in Irish?
The plural of preab is preaba; with the article, na preaba means “the starts”. The genitive plural is preab, as in líon na bpreab (the number of bounces).
Does preab have more than one meaning?
Yes. Preab can mean start, bounce, throb or kick, depending on context; the first is the most common. Preab also has its own entry as a verb meaning to start.
Why does preab change to phreab or bpreab?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) preab becomes mo phreab (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpreab (eclipsis).
What is the difference between preab and geit?
Both can mean a start of fright: 'baineadh geit asam' and 'baineadh preab asam' are similar, but preab also covers bounces and heartbeats, while geit is mainly a fright.
What does 'de phreab' mean?
'De phreab' means suddenly or with a start, as in 'Dhúisigh mé de phreab', I woke with a start.
