HeyRuaHow to say “palm” in Irish
- Irish:
- bas
- English:
- palm, blade
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bass” /bˠasˠ/
- Plural:
- basa (palms)
- Genitive singular:
- baise, na baise (e.g. lár na baise, the middle of the palm)
- Genitive plural:
- bas, na mbas (e.g. bualadh na mbas, the clapping of the palms)
What does “bas” mean?
“Bas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- palm
- The flat inner surface of the hand.Also: palm of the hand, hand.
1 other meaning: blade
“Bas” with the article
The plural of palm in Irish is basa. Here is bas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bas, the Irish word for palm.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Palm in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for palm?
The Irish for palm is bas (pronounced “bass”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is basa. Depending on context it can also mean blade.
How do you pronounce bas in Irish?
Bas is said like “bass” (IPA /bˠasˠ/).
What is the plural of palm in Irish?
The plural of bas is basa; with the article, na basa means “the palms”. The genitive plural is bas, as in bualadh na mbas (the clapping of the palms).
Does bas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bas can mean palm or blade, depending on context; the first is the most common. Bas also has its own entry as a noun, masculine meaning boss.
Why does bas change to bhas or mbas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bas becomes mo bhas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbas (eclipsis).
How do you say 'applause' with this word?
Use 'bualadh bas', literally 'striking of palms', for example 'thug siad bualadh bas dó'.
Is this the same word as 'bas' meaning the fish sea bass?
No. The fish 'bas' (sea bass) is a separate masculine word with the plural 'basanna'; 'bas' meaning palm is feminine, with the genitive 'baise' and plural 'basa'.
