HeyRuaHow to say “thief” in Irish
- Irish:
- bradaí
- English:
- thief, trespassing animal
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAD-ee” /ˈbˠɾˠad̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- bradaithe (thieves)
- Genitive singular:
- bradaí, an bhradaí (e.g. lámh an bhradaí, the thief's hand)
- Genitive plural:
- bradaithe, na mbradaithe (e.g. cleasanna na mbradaithe, the tricks of the thieves)
What does “bradaí” mean?
“Bradaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- thief
- A person who steals, especially one who pilfers small things on the sly.Also: pilferer, stealer, sneak thief.
“Bradaí” with the article
The plural of thief in Irish is bradaithe. Here is bradaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bradaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bradaí, the Irish word for thief.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Thief in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for thief?
The Irish for thief is bradaí (pronounced “BRAD-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bradaithe. Depending on context it can also mean trespassing animal.
How do you pronounce bradaí in Irish?
Bradaí is said like “BRAD-ee” (IPA /ˈbˠɾˠad̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of thief in Irish?
The plural of bradaí is bradaithe; with the article, na bradaithe means “the thieves”. The genitive plural is bradaithe, as in cleasanna na mbradaithe (the tricks of the thieves).
Does bradaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bradaí can mean thief or trespassing animal, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bradaí change to bhradaí or mbradaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bradaí becomes mo bhradaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbradaí (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bradaí' and 'gadaí'?
'Gadaí' is the general word for a thief, while 'bradaí' suggests a sly pilferer or petty thief, and can also mean an animal that trespasses on crops.
What is 'bradaíocht'?
'Bradaíocht' is the activity of a 'bradaí': pilfering, sneak thieving, or animals trespassing on land.
