Toad in Irish (Buaf): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for toad?

The Irish for toad is buaf (pronounced “boo-uf”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is buafa. Depending on context it can also mean venomous creature.

Q: What is the plural of toad in Irish?

The plural of buaf is buafa; with the article, na buafa means “the toads”. The genitive plural is buaf, as in grágaíl na mbuaf (the croaking of the toads).

Q: Does buaf have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaf can mean toad or venomous creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “toad” in Irish

Irish:: buaf
English:: toad, venomous creature
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “boo-uf” /bˠuəfˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: buafa (toads)
Genitive singular:: buaife, na buaife (e.g. craiceann na buaife, the skin of the toad)
Genitive plural:: buaf, na mbuaf (e.g. grágaíl na mbuaf, the croaking of the toads)

What does “buaf” mean?

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

toad: A small tailless amphibian like a frog, with dry warty skin, that lives mostly on land.Also: natterjack, amphibian.

1 other meaning: venomous creature

2venomous creature: Used figuratively of a nasty, spiteful or loathsome person.Also: toad, venomous person, nasty person.

“Buaf” with the article

The plural of toad in Irish is buafa. Here is buaf after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhuaf

the toad

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na buafa

the toads

Plural: no change after na

“Buaf” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buaf, the Irish word for toad.

Chonaic mé buaf sa ghairdín aréir.

I saw a toad in the garden last night.

Tá an bhuaf ina suí faoin gcloch.

The toad is sitting under the stone.

Tá craiceann na buaife garbh agus tirim.

The toad's skin is rough and dry.

Is annamh a fheictear buafa in Éirinn.

Toads are rarely seen in Ireland.

Léim buaf mhór amach as an bhféar.

A big toad jumped out of the grass.

Ná bac leis, níl ann ach buaf.

Don't mind him, he's nothing but a toad.

Tá níos mó buafa sa phortach ná mar a cheapfá.

There are more toads in the bog than you would think.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

tógáillifting gnéaspect dearmadforgetfulness céquay comharthasign maoiniúfunding

Toad in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for toad?

The Irish for toad is buaf (pronounced “boo-uf”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is buafa. Depending on context it can also mean venomous creature.

How do you pronounce buaf in Irish?

Buaf is said like “boo-uf” (IPA /bˠuəfˠ/).

What is the plural of toad in Irish?

The plural of buaf is buafa; with the article, na buafa means “the toads”. The genitive plural is buaf, as in grágaíl na mbuaf (the croaking of the toads).

Does buaf have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaf can mean toad or venomous creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buaf change to bhuaf or mbuaf?

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

What is the difference between 'buaf' and 'frog'?

'Buaf' is a toad, while 'frog' is a frog; the natterjack toad, Ireland's only native toad, is 'buaf luachra'.

Toad in Irish (Buaf): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage