Passion in Irish (Páis): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for passion?

The Irish for passion is páis (pronounced “pawsh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suffering.

Q: Does páis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Páis can mean passion or suffering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “passion” in Irish

Irish:: páis
English:: passion, suffering
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “pawsh” /pˠaːʃ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: páise, na páise (e.g. Domhnach na Páise, Passion Sunday)

What does “páis” mean?

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

passion: The sufferings of Christ before and during his crucifixion, the Passion.Also: Passion of Christ, crucifixion.

1 other meaning: suffering

2suffering: Great physical or mental suffering or agony.Also: agony, anguish, torment.

Other Irish words for passion: paisean (passion)

“Páis” with the article

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

an pháis

the passion

Lenition: p becomes ph after an (feminine noun)

“Páis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using páis, the Irish word for passion.

Léitear an Pháis ar Aoine an Chéasta.

The Passion is read on Good Friday.

Is é Domhnach na Páise an Domhnach seo chugainn.

Next Sunday is Passion Sunday.

Chuamar chuig dráma faoin bPáis aréir.

We went to a play about the Passion last night.

Bhí sé i bpáis leis an bpian.

He was in agony with the pain.

Rinne an sagart seanmóir ar Pháis Chríost.

The priest preached a sermon on the Passion of Christ.

Tá cur síos ar an bpáis sa leabhar sin.

There is a description of the Passion in that book.

Ba mhór an pháis a d'fhulaing sí.

Great was the suffering she endured.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

caoiway contaecounty líneline páirtíparty dlílaw ealaínart

Passion in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for passion?

The Irish for passion is páis (pronounced “pawsh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suffering.

How do you pronounce páis in Irish?

Páis is said like “pawsh” (IPA /pˠaːʃ/).

Does páis have a plural?

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

Does páis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Páis can mean passion or suffering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does páis change to pháis or bpáis?

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

Does 'páis' mean passion in the sense of strong love or enthusiasm?

No, 'páis' means suffering, especially the Passion of Christ. For strong feeling or enthusiasm use 'paisean' or 'díograis'.

Passion in Irish (Páis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage