HeyRuaHow to say “origin” in Irish
- Irish:
- bunús
- English:
- origin, basis, most, substance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BUN-oos” /ˈbʊnˠuːsˠ/
- Plural:
- bunúis (origins)
- Genitive singular:
- bunúis, an bhunúis (e.g. ceist an bhunúis, the question of the origin)
- Genitive plural:
- bunús, na mbunús (e.g. ceist na mbunús, the question of origins)
What does “bunús” mean?
“Bunús” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- origin
- The source or beginning from which something comes.Also: source, beginning, root.
3 other meanings: basis or most or substance
- 2basis
- The foundation or grounds on which something rests or is founded.Also: foundation, grounds.
- 3most
- The greater part or bulk of something, as in 'bunús na ndaoine', most of the people.Also: majority, bulk, greater part.
- 4substance
- Real content or worth, something solid behind an idea or claim.Also: foundation, truth.
Other Irish words for origin: foinse (source), bunadh (origin)
“Bunús” with the article
The plural of origin in Irish is bunúis. Here is bunús after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bunús” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bunús, the Irish word for origin.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Origin in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for origin?
The Irish for origin is bunús (pronounced “BUN-oos”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bunúis. Depending on context it can also mean basis or most or substance.
How do you pronounce bunús in Irish?
Bunús is said like “BUN-oos” (IPA /ˈbʊnˠuːsˠ/).
What is the plural of origin in Irish?
The plural of bunús is bunúis; with the article, na bunúis means “the origins”. The genitive plural is bunús, as in ceist na mbunús (the question of origins).
Does bunús have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bunús can mean origin, basis, most or substance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bunús change to bhunús or mbunús?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bunús becomes mo bhunús (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbunús (eclipsis).
How do I say 'most of' with bunús?
Use bunús followed by a genitive: bunús na ndaoine, most of the people; bunús an ama, most of the time. It is similar to formhór.
What is the adjective from bunús?
The adjective is bunúsach, meaning basic or fundamental, as in ceart bunúsach, a fundamental right.
