HeyRuaHow to say “verb” in Irish
- Irish:
- briathar
- English:
- verb, word
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BREE-uh-hur” /ˈbʲɾʲiəhəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- briathra (verbs)
- Genitive singular:
- briathair, an bhriathair (e.g. foirm an bhriathair, the form of the verb)
- Genitive plural:
- briathra, na mbriathra (e.g. liosta na mbriathra, the list of verbs)
What does “briathar” mean?
“Briathar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- verb
- A word that expresses an action, event or state, as a grammatical category.Also: action word, verb form.
1 other meaning: word
- 2word
- A word or saying, especially a solemn word, a promise, or the word of God.Also: promise, saying, word of god.
“Briathar” with the article
The plural of verb in Irish is briathra. Here is briathar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Briathar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using briathar, the Irish word for verb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Verb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for verb?
The Irish for verb is briathar (pronounced “BREE-uh-hur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is briathra. Depending on context it can also mean word.
How do you pronounce briathar in Irish?
Briathar is said like “BREE-uh-hur” (IPA /ˈbʲɾʲiəhəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of verb in Irish?
The plural of briathar is briathra; with the article, na briathra means “the verbs”. The genitive plural is briathra, as in liosta na mbriathra (the list of verbs).
Does briathar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Briathar can mean verb or word, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does briathar change to bhriathar or mbriathar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) briathar becomes mo bhriathar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbriathar (eclipsis).
Is 'briathar' the everyday word for 'word'?
No, the everyday word is focal; briathar means 'word' only in solemn or literary use, as in briathar Dé or mo bhriathar (upon my word).
What does 'beart de réir briathair' mean?
It means acting according to one's word, keeping a promise: rinne sé beart de réir a bhriathair, he was as good as his word.
