HeyRuaHow to say “tiptoe” in Irish
- Irish:
- barraicín
- English:
- tiptoe, toecap
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAR-ik-een” /ˈbˠaɾˠəkʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- barraicíní (tiptoes)
- Genitive singular:
- barraicín, an bharraicín (e.g. ar bharr an bharraicín, on tiptoe)
- Genitive plural:
- barraicíní, na mbarraicíní (e.g. ag siúl ar bharr na mbarraicíní, walking on the very tips of the toes)
What does “barraicín” mean?
“Barraicín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tiptoe
- The tip of the toes or of the foot, used mostly in the phrase for standing or walking on tiptoe.Also: tip of the toe, toe tip, tip of the foot.
1 other meaning: toecap
- 2toecap
- The toe or toecap of a shoe or boot.Also: toe of a shoe, toe of a boot.
“Barraicín” with the article
The plural of tiptoe in Irish is barraicíní. Here is barraicín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Barraicín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using barraicín, the Irish word for tiptoe.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Tiptoe in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tiptoe?
The Irish for tiptoe is barraicín (pronounced “BAR-ik-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is barraicíní. Depending on context it can also mean toecap.
How do you pronounce barraicín in Irish?
Barraicín is said like “BAR-ik-een” (IPA /ˈbˠaɾˠəkʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of tiptoe in Irish?
The plural of barraicín is barraicíní; with the article, na barraicíní means “the tiptoes”. The genitive plural is barraicíní, as in ag siúl ar bharr na mbarraicíní (walking on the very tips of the toes).
Does barraicín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Barraicín can mean tiptoe or toecap, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does barraicín change to bharraicín or mbarraicín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) barraicín becomes mo bharraicín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbarraicín (eclipsis).
How do I say 'on tiptoe' in Irish?
Say 'ar na barraicíní', or with a possessive, 'ar a bharraicíní' (on his tiptoes).
Is barraicín the ordinary word for a toe?
No, a toe is 'ladhar' or 'méar coise'; 'barraicín' means the tip of the toes or the toecap of a shoe.
