buí
/bˠiː/
The Irish word for yellow is buí.
buí is used to describe something that is yellow in color. It functions as both an adjective and a noun, representing the color itself.
Meaning: having yellow as its color (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buí is indeclinable, which means it does not change its form to agree with the gender or the number of the noun it is modifying.
How do you pronounce it?
/bˠiː/
When do people say it?
The phrase buí mar ghealach is used to mean "yellow as the moon."
Did you know?
- When describing a person's complexion, using buí can sometimes imply a sickly or jaundiced appearance rather than a healthy glow.
- The phrase buí mar ghealach describes the moon as yellow, which contrasts with the common English habit of describing the moon as silver or white.
- The word buí is derived from the Proto-Celtic root *bodyos.
Examples in context
- Ní cheannaím ach carranna buí.I only buy yellow cars.This sentence shows how to use buí when describing cars.Tatoeba #3855209 by kemushi69, translation #3854871 by muriloricci
- An bhfuil an gúna sin flannbhuí nó buí?Is that dress mustard yellow or plain yellow?
- Tá an ríomhaire buí ar an mbord.The yellow computer is on the table.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cathal are looking at flowers in a garden.
- NiamhBreathaigh ar an bhfliúr buí sin!Look at that yellow flower!
- CathalTá sé go hálainn, a Niamh.It is beautiful, Niamh.
- NiamhIs é an dath is fearr liom é.It is my favorite color.
- CathalIs maith liom an t-ór buí freis.I like yellow gold too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yellow” translations and entries buí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
