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Establishment in Irish (Bunaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for establishment is bunaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “establishment” in Irish

Irish:
bunaíocht
English:
establishment
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“BUN-ee-ukht”  /ˈbˠʊnˠiːxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
bunaíochta, na bunaíochta (e.g. foireann na bunaíochta, the staff of the establishment)

What does “bunaíocht” mean?

“Bunaíocht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

establishment
The act of founding or setting up something, such as an organisation or institution.Also: founding, foundation, setting up.
1 other meaning:
2establishment
An established institution or the ruling group of people in a society.Also: institution, the establishment.

Other Irish words for establishment: bunú (establishment)

“Bunaíocht” with the article

Here is bunaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an bhunaíocht
the establishment
Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Bunaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bunaíocht, the Irish word for establishment.

Bhí bunaíocht na scoile ann sa bhliain 1950.
The school was established in 1950.
Tá an bhunaíocht i gcoinne an athraithe.
The establishment is against the change.
Cheiliúir siad comóradh céad bliain na bunaíochta.
They celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the founding.
Ghlac sé páirt i mbunaíocht an chumainn.
He took part in setting up the society.
Ní maith léi an bhunaíocht pholaitiúil.
She doesn't like the political establishment.
Tar éis na bunaíochta d'fhás an comhlacht go tapa.
After its founding the company grew quickly.
Labhair an tuairisc faoi bhunaíocht an rialtais.
The report spoke about the government establishment.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Establishment in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for establishment?

The Irish for establishment is bunaíocht (pronounced “BUN-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce bunaíocht in Irish?

Bunaíocht is said like “BUN-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈbˠʊnˠiːxt̪ˠ/).

Does bunaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for bunaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does bunaíocht change to bhunaíocht or mbunaíocht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bunaíocht becomes mo bhunaíocht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbunaíocht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between bunaíocht and bunú?

Bunú is the verbal noun of bunaigh and is the usual word for the act of founding something, e.g. bunú an stáit. Bunaíocht is more formal and also means 'the establishment' as a ruling group.

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