bogha-frois
/b̥o.ə ˈfɾaʃ/masculine
The Gaelic word for rainbow is bogha-frois. If unsure, use bogha-frois. Wiktionary also lists raonabogha.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bogha-frois | /b̥o.ə ˈfɾaʃ/ (Lewis) /b̥o.o ˈfɾaʃ/ (Lewis) |
masculine |
| raonabogha | /ˈrˠɯːnəpo/ | masculine |
The word refers to a multicoloured arch seen in the sky.
Which one should you use?
raonabogha is an alternative form for the same noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun bogha-frois is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/b̥o.ə ˈfɾaʃ/
Did you know?
- The term bogha-frois literally translates to 'bow of frost' or 'frosty bow', a poetic way to describe the shimmering, ethereal appearance of the colours.
- In Gaelic folklore, rainbows were sometimes viewed as bridges between the earthly realm and the Otherworld.
- The word bogha also means 'bow' in the sense of a weapon used for archery, creating a visual link between a weapon and the arc of a rainbow.
Examples in context
- Tá bogha-frois le feiceáilThere is a rainbow to be seen.
- Seall air an bogha-frois brèagha sin.Look at that beautiful rainbow.
Example conversation
Mairead and Finlay are looking out the window after a storm.
- MaireadSeall, a Fhionlaigh, bogha-frois!Look, Finlay, a rainbow!
- FinlayO, tha e glè dheagh dath.Oh, it is a very lovely color.
- MaireadIs e an bogha-frois as fheàrr a chunnaic mi.It is the best rainbow I have seen.
- FinlayTha e sgoinneil, a Mhairead.It is brilliant, Mairead.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries bogha-frois, raonabogha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
