buntàta
/b̥əˈn̪ˠt̪aːʰt̪(ə)/ [b̥əˈn̪̊ˠʰaːʰt̪(ə)]masculine
The Gaelic word for potato is buntàta.
The word refers to the plant tuber eaten as a starchy vegetable.
Meaning: plant tuber eaten as starchy vegetable (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word buntàta is the standard form used for both the singular 'potato' and the plural 'potatoes'.
How do you pronounce it?
/b̥əˈn̪ˠt̪aːʰt̪(ə)/ [b̥əˈn̪̊ˠʰaːʰt̪(ə)]
Did you know?
- The word buntàta is a linguistic hybrid, uniquely created by blending the English word 'potato' with the Gaelic word bun, which means 'bottom'.
- In some Gaelic speaking communities, there is a traditional belief that planting buntàta according to the phases of the moon affects the yield, a custom that persists in folk gardening today.
- Unlike many ancient Gaelic nouns, buntàta is a relatively modern addition to the language, having been adapted from English after the crop was introduced.
Examples in context
- Tha an buntàta mòr.The potato is big.
- Feumaidh sinn buntàta airson an dinnear.We need potatoes for dinner.
- An do cheannaich thu buntàta?Did you buy potatoes?
Example conversation
Mairead and Callum are cooking dinner together.
- MaireadA bheil buntàta agad?Do you have a potato?
- CallumTha, tha buntàta an seo.Yes, there is a potato here.
- MaireadTha an bhuntàta seo mòr.This potato is big.
- CallumTha e math airson an t-ionnsach.It is good for the dinner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “potato” translations and entries buntàta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buntàta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
