HeyRuaHow to say “well” in Irish
- Irish:
- tobar
- English:
- well, spring
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TUB-ur” /ˈt̪ˠɔbˠəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- toibreacha (wells)
- Genitive singular:
- tobair, an tobair (e.g. uisce an tobair, the water of the well)
- Genitive plural:
- toibreacha, na dtoibreacha (e.g. uisce na dtoibreacha, the water of the wells)
What does “tobar” mean?
“Tobar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- well
- A hole dug or a natural source in the ground from which water is drawn.Also: water well, holy well.
1 other meaning: spring
- 2spring
- A natural source of water rising from the ground; figuratively, a source of something.Also: source, fountain.
“Tobar” with the article
The plural of well in Irish is toibreacha. Here is tobar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tobar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tobar, the Irish word for well.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Well in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for well?
The Irish for well is tobar (pronounced “TUB-ur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is toibreacha. Depending on context it can also mean spring.
How do you pronounce tobar in Irish?
Tobar is said like “TUB-ur” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔbˠəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of well in Irish?
The plural of tobar is toibreacha; with the article, na toibreacha means “the wells”. The genitive plural is toibreacha, as in uisce na dtoibreacha (the water of the wells).
Does tobar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tobar can mean well or spring, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tobar change to thobar or dtobar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tobar becomes mo thobar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtobar (eclipsis).
What is a 'tobar beannaithe'?
A 'tobar beannaithe' is a holy well, often associated with a saint and visited on a pattern day. Many are still visited around Ireland.
Is there a proverb with 'tobar'?
Yes: 'Ní bhíonn a fhios agat luach an uisce go dtriomaíonn an tobar', meaning you never know the value of water until the well runs dry.
