HeyRuaHow to say “May” in Irish
- Irish:
- Bealtaine
- English:
- May, Beltane
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BYOWL-tin-yuh” /ˈbʲaul̪ˠt̪ˠənʲə/
- Plural:
- Bealtainí (Mays)
- Genitive singular:
- Bealtaine, na Bealtaine (e.g. mí na Bealtaine, the month of May)
- Genitive plural:
- Bealtainí, na mBealtainí (e.g. cuimhní na mBealtainí, memories of past Mays)
What does “Bealtaine” mean?
“Bealtaine” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- May
- The fifth month of the year, between April and June.Also: month of May.
1 other meaning: Beltane
- 2Beltane
- The old Celtic festival marking the start of summer on the first of May.Also: May Day, beltaine.
“Bealtaine” with the article
The plural of May in Irish is Bealtainí. Here is Bealtaine after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bealtaine” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Bealtaine, the Irish word for May.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “Bealtaine”
May in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for May?
The Irish for May is Bealtaine (pronounced “BYOWL-tin-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is Bealtainí. Depending on context it can also mean Beltane.
How do you pronounce Bealtaine in Irish?
Bealtaine is said like “BYOWL-tin-yuh” (IPA /ˈbʲaul̪ˠt̪ˠənʲə/).
What is the plural of May in Irish?
The plural of Bealtaine is Bealtainí; with the article, na Bealtainí means “the Mays”. The genitive plural is Bealtainí, as in cuimhní na mBealtainí (memories of past Mays).
Does Bealtaine have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bealtaine can mean May or Beltane, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Bealtaine change to Bhealtaine or mBealtaine?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) Bealtaine becomes mo Bhealtaine (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mBealtaine (eclipsis).
How do I say 'in May' in Irish?
Say 'i mí na Bealtaine' or simply 'i mBealtaine'; the month usually takes the article: 'an Bhealtaine'.
What does 'idir dhá thine Bhealtaine' mean?
It means 'between two fires', that is, in a dilemma, from the old custom of driving cattle between two May Day fires.
