HeyRuaHow to say “stench” in Irish
- Irish:
- bréine
- English:
- stench, foulness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAY-nyuh” /bʲɾʲeːnʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- bréine, na bréine (e.g. foinse na bréine, the source of the stench)
What does “bréine” mean?
“Bréine” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stench
- A foul, rotten smell; also the state of being putrid or stinking.Also: stink, fetidness, putridness, foul smell.
1 other meaning: foulness
- 2foulness
- Figuratively, rottenness or vileness of character or of a situation.Also: vileness, rottenness.
Other Irish words for stench: bréantas (stench)
“Bréine” with the article
Here is bréine after the article (an t-alt).
“Bréine” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bréine, the Irish word for stench.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stench in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stench?
The Irish for stench is bréine (pronounced “BRAY-nyuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean foulness.
How do you pronounce bréine in Irish?
Bréine is said like “BRAY-nyuh” (IPA /bʲɾʲeːnʲə/).
Does bréine have a plural?
No plural form is given for bréine in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bréine have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bréine can mean stench or foulness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bréine change to bhréine or mbréine?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bréine becomes mo bhréine (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbréine (eclipsis).
How is bréine related to bréan?
Bréine is the abstract noun from the adjective bréan 'stinking, foul', so 'tá sé bréan' means 'it stinks' and 'bréine' is 'the stench'.
What is a more everyday way to say 'bad smell'?
Drochbholadh is very common in speech; bréine is stronger and suggests a putrid stink.
