HeyRuaHow to say “blessing” in Irish
- Irish:
- beannacht
- English:
- blessing, greeting
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAN-ukht” /ˈbʲan̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- beannachtaí
- Genitive singular:
- beannachta, na beannachta (e.g. cárta beannachta, a greeting card)
- Genitive plural:
- beannachtaí, na mbeannachtaí (e.g. guí na mbeannachtaí, the prayer of blessings)
What does “beannacht” mean?
“Beannacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- blessing
- A prayer or wish asking God to give good things to someone, or something good that is a gift.Also: benediction, god bless.
1 other meaning: greeting
- 2greeting
- A greeting or good wish sent to someone, as in letters and cards.Also: best wishes, regards, salutation.
Other Irish words for blessing: beannú (blessing)
“Beannacht” with the article
The plural of blessing in Irish is beannachtaí. Here is beannacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beannacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beannacht, 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 beannacht (pronounced “BAN-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is beannachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean greeting.
How do you pronounce beannacht in Irish?
Beannacht is said like “BAN-ukht” (IPA /ˈbʲan̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of blessing in Irish?
The plural of beannacht is beannachtaí; with the article, it is na beannachtaí. The genitive plural is beannachtaí, as in guí na mbeannachtaí (the prayer of blessings).
Does beannacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beannacht can mean blessing or greeting, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does beannacht change to bheannacht or mbeannacht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beannacht becomes mo bheannacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeannacht (eclipsis).
What is the opposite of 'beannacht'?
The opposite is 'mallacht', a curse.
How do I say 'God rest him' about someone who has died?
Say 'beannacht Dé leis' for a man, or 'beannacht Dé léi' for a woman.
