Taproot in Irish (Bunfhréamh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for taproot?

The Irish for taproot is bunfhréamh (pronounced “BUN-ray-uv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bunfhréamhacha. Depending on context it can also mean root origin.

Q: What is the plural of taproot in Irish?

The plural of bunfhréamh is bunfhréamhacha; with the article, na bunfhréamhacha means “the taproots”. The genitive plural is bunfhréamhacha, as in fás na mbunfhréamhacha (the growth of the taproots).

Q: Does bunfhréamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bunfhréamh can mean taproot or root origin, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “taproot” in Irish

Irish:: bunfhréamh
English:: taproot, root origin
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “BUN-ray-uv” /ˈbʊnˌɾʲeːw/

Various forms

Plural:: bunfhréamhacha (taproots)
Genitive singular:: bunfhréimhe, na bunfhréimhe (e.g. fad na bunfhréimhe, length of the taproot)
Genitive plural:: bunfhréamhacha, na mbunfhréamhacha (e.g. fás na mbunfhréamhacha, the growth of the taproots)

What does “bunfhréamh” mean?

“Bunfhréamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

taproot: The main root of a plant, which grows straight down and from which smaller roots branch.Also: main root, primary root.

1 other meaning: root origin

2root origin: The basic source or original root of something, such as a word or a problem.Also: radical, root, basic origin.

“Bunfhréamh” with the article

The plural of taproot in Irish is bunfhréamhacha. Here is bunfhréamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhunfhréamh

the taproot

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bunfhréamhacha

the taproots

Plural: no change after na

“Bunfhréamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bunfhréamh, the Irish word for taproot.

Tá bunfhréamh fhada ag an meacan dearg.

The carrot has a long taproot.

Fásann an bhunfhréamh síos go domhain sa chré.

The taproot grows deep down into the soil.

Bhris barr na bunfhréimhe nuair a tharraing mé é.

The tip of the taproot broke when I pulled it.

Bíonn bunfhréamhacha láidre ag crainn darach.

Oak trees have strong taproots.

Stórálann an planda bia ina bhunfhréamh.

The plant stores food in its taproot.

Chuardaigh an múinteoir bunfhréamh an fhocail.

The teacher looked up the root origin of the word.

Ní féidir an fhiaile a mharú gan an bhunfhréamh a bhaint.

You can't kill the weed without removing the taproot.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Taproot in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for taproot?

The Irish for taproot is bunfhréamh (pronounced “BUN-ray-uv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bunfhréamhacha. Depending on context it can also mean root origin.

How do you pronounce bunfhréamh in Irish?

Bunfhréamh is said like “BUN-ray-uv” (IPA /ˈbʊnˌɾʲeːw/).

What is the plural of taproot in Irish?

The plural of bunfhréamh is bunfhréamhacha; with the article, na bunfhréamhacha means “the taproots”. The genitive plural is bunfhréamhacha, as in fás na mbunfhréamhacha (the growth of the taproots).

Does bunfhréamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bunfhréamh can mean taproot or root origin, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bunfhréamh change to bhunfhréamh or mbunfhréamh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bunfhréamh becomes mo bhunfhréamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbunfhréamh (eclipsis).

How is 'bunfhréamh' different from 'fréamh'?

'Fréamh' is any root, while 'bunfhréamh' (bun + fréamh) is specifically the main or primary root, the taproot.

Taproot in Irish (Bunfhréamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage