HeyRuaHow to say “yellow colour” in Irish
- Irish:
- buí
- English:
- yellow colour, yellow fever
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bwee” /bˠiː/
- Plural:
- buíonna (yellow colours)
- Genitive singular:
- buí, an bhuí (e.g. dath an bhuí, the shade of the yellow)
- Genitive plural:
- buíonna, na mbuíonna (e.g. raon na mbuíonna, the range of the yellows)
What does “buí” mean?
“Buí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- yellow colour
- The colour of butter or egg yolk, used as a noun: 'buí' meaning the colour itself.Also: yellow paint, yellow dye.
1 other meaning: yellow fever
- 2yellow fever
- In the phrase 'an fiabhras buí' and in older use, a disease that turns the skin yellow; as a noun 'an buí' can mean jaundice.Also: jaundice.
“Buí” with the article
The plural of yellow colour in Irish is buíonna. Here is buí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Buí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using buí, the Irish word for yellow colour.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Yellow colour in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for yellow colour?
The Irish for yellow colour is buí (pronounced “bwee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is buíonna. Depending on context it can also mean yellow fever.
How do you pronounce buí in Irish?
Buí is said like “bwee” (IPA /bˠiː/).
What is the plural of yellow colour in Irish?
The plural of buí is buíonna; with the article, na buíonna means “the yellow colours”. The genitive plural is buíonna, as in raon na mbuíonna (the range of the yellows).
Does buí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Buí can mean yellow colour or yellow fever, depending on context; the first is the most common. Buí also has its own entry as an adjective meaning yellow.
Why does buí change to bhuí or mbuí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) buí becomes mo bhuí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbuí (eclipsis).
Is 'a bhuí le Dia' related to the colour?
No, 'a bhuí le Dia' (thanks be to God) comes from a different word, 'buí' meaning thanks (related to 'buíochas'), not the colour.
