bris
/pʰð̥iʃ/
The Gaelic word for 'break' is bris.
The verb bris is transitive, meaning it is used when you separate something into two or more pieces.
Meaning: transitive: to separate into (to cause to end up in) two or more pieces (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form used for 'a break' or 'the act of breaking' is briseadh.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʰð̥iʃ/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word bris is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'burst', sharing a common ancestral root.
- Gaelic differentiates between 'breaking' something into pieces using bris and 'breaking' a fall or a fever, which often uses different verbs.
- In certain Gaelic poetic contexts, the concept of 'breaking' can refer to the breaking of a spell or an enchantment, rather than a material object.
Examples in context
- Bris an t-uinneag.Break the window.
- Bris an t-snàithle.Break the thread.
Example conversation
Finlay and Catriona are cleaning up a broken vase.
- FinlayAn do bhris thu an t-uachdar?Did you break the vase?
- CatrionaCha do bhris mise e.I didn't break it.
- FinlayBris an glasadh a-nis.Break the lock now.
- CatrionaTha mi a' dol a dhèanamh.I am going to do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break” translations and entries bris, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bris, CC BY-SA 4.0.
