HeyRuaHow to say “thief” in Irish
- Irish:
- bradach
- English:
- thief, rogue
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BRAD-ukh” /ˈbˠɾˠad̪ˠəx/
- Plural:
- bradaigh (thieves)
- Genitive singular:
- bradaigh, an bhradaigh (e.g. lámh an bhradaigh, the thief's hand)
- Genitive plural:
- bradach, na mbradach (e.g. scéal na mbradach, the story of the thieves)
What does “bradach” mean?
“Bradach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- thief
- A person who steals, especially a petty thief or pilferer.Also: pilferer, petty thief, plunderer.
1 other meaning: rogue
“Bradach” with the article
The plural of thief in Irish is bradaigh. Here is bradach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bradach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bradach, 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 bradach (pronounced “BRAD-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bradaigh. Depending on context it can also mean rogue.
How do you pronounce bradach in Irish?
Bradach is said like “BRAD-ukh” (IPA /ˈbˠɾˠad̪ˠəx/).
What is the plural of thief in Irish?
The plural of bradach is bradaigh; with the article, na bradaigh means “the thieves”. The genitive plural is bradach, as in scéal na mbradach (the story of the thieves).
Does bradach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bradach can mean thief or rogue, depending on context; the first is the most common. Bradach also has its own entry as an adjective meaning thieving.
Why does bradach change to bhradach or mbradach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bradach becomes mo bhradach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbradach (eclipsis).
How does 'bradach' differ from 'gadaí'?
'Gadaí' is the ordinary word for a thief, while 'bradach' suggests a sly pilferer or rogue and is often used playfully, as in 'a bhradaigh!'.
