HeyRuaHow to say “blessing” in Irish
- Irish:
- beannú
- English:
- blessing, greeting, beatification
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- beannaigh, to greet (ag beannú, greeting)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BAN-oo” /ˈbʲan̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- beannaithe, an bheannaithe (e.g. searmanas an bheannaithe, the blessing ceremony)
What does “beannú” mean?
“Beannú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- blessing
- The act of blessing someone or something; the verbal noun of the verb beannaigh.Also: consecration, sanctification, hallowing.
2 other meanings: greeting or beatification
- 2greeting
- The act of greeting or saluting someone; the verbal noun of beannaigh in the sense of greeting.Also: saluting, salutation.
- 3beatification
- The act by which the Church declares a dead person blessed, a step towards sainthood.
Other Irish words for blessing: beannacht (blessing)
“Beannú” as a verbal noun
After ag, beannú means greeting: it is the verbal noun of the verb beannaigh (to greet). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Beannú” with the article
Here is beannú after the article (an t-alt).
“Beannú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beannú, the Irish word for blessing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Blessing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for blessing?
The Irish for blessing is beannú (pronounced “BAN-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean greeting or beatification.
How do you pronounce beannú in Irish?
Beannú is said like “BAN-oo” (IPA /ˈbʲan̪ˠuː/).
Does beannú have a plural?
No plural form is given for beannú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does beannú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beannú can mean blessing, greeting or beatification, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does beannú change to bheannú or mbeannú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beannú becomes mo bheannú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeannú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between beannú and beannacht?
Beannú is the act of blessing or greeting, the verbal noun of beannaigh, while beannacht is the blessing itself, as in 'beannacht Dé leat'.
How do I say 'to greet someone'?
Use beannú do dhuine, for example 'Bheannaigh sé dom' means 'He greeted me'.
