HeyRuaHow to say “watercress” in Irish
- Irish:
- biolar
- English:
- watercress, cress
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BIL-ur” /ˈbʲɪləɾˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- biolair, an bhiolair (e.g. duilleoga an bhiolair, the leaves of the watercress)
What does “biolar” mean?
“Biolar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- watercress
- A green plant that grows in streams and wet places, with peppery leaves that are eaten in salads.Also: cress.
1 other meaning: cress
- 2cress
- Any of several small plants of the cress family with sharp-tasting edible leaves.Also: garden cress.
“Biolar” with the article
Here is biolar after the article (an t-alt).
“Biolar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using biolar, the Irish word for watercress.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Watercress in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for watercress?
The Irish for watercress is biolar (pronounced “BIL-ur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean cress.
How do you pronounce biolar in Irish?
Biolar is said like “BIL-ur” (IPA /ˈbʲɪləɾˠ/).
Does biolar have a plural?
No plural form is given for biolar in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does biolar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Biolar can mean watercress or cress, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does biolar change to bhiolar or mbiolar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) biolar becomes mo bhiolar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbiolar (eclipsis).
Is 'biolar' connected to Irish folklore?
Yes, biolar was a traditional food, and in the story of Suibhne Geilt the mad king lived on biolar and water in the wild.
