Patch in Irish (Paiste): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for patch?

The Irish for patch is paiste (pronounced “PASH-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is paistí. Depending on context it can also mean spell.

Q: What is the plural of patch in Irish?

The plural of paiste is paistí; with the article, na paistí means “the patches”. The genitive plural is paistí, as in cuilt phaistí (a patchwork quilt).

Q: Does paiste have more than one meaning?

Yes. Paiste can mean patch or spell, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “patch” in Irish

Irish:: paiste
English:: patch, spell
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “PASH-tyuh” /ˈpˠaʃtʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: paistí (patches)
Genitive singular:: paiste, an phaiste (e.g. imeall an phaiste, the edge of the patch)
Genitive plural:: paistí, na bpaistí (e.g. cuilt phaistí, a patchwork quilt)

What does “paiste” mean?

“Paiste” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

patch: A piece of material used to cover a hole or mend something.Also: mend, piece of cloth.

2 other meanings: spell

2patch: A small area of ground or surface that differs from what is around it.Also: spot, plot, small area.
3spell: A short period or portion of something, such as weather.Also: stretch, portion.

“Paiste” with the article

The plural of patch in Irish is paistí. Here is paiste after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an paiste

the patch

No change after an

na paistí

the patches

Plural: no change after na

“Paiste” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using paiste, the Irish word for patch.

Chuir mo mháthair paiste ar mo bhríste.

My mother put a patch on my trousers.

Tá an paiste ag teacht anuas den mhuinchille.

The patch is coming off the sleeve.

Bhí paistí oighir ar an mbóthar ar maidin.

There were patches of ice on the road this morning.

Tá paiste fataí againn taobh thiar den teach.

We have a potato patch behind the house.

Bhí paiste maith aimsire againn an tseachtain seo caite.

We had a good spell of weather last week.

Tá an paiste ar mo bhríste ag caitheamh.

The patch on my trousers is wearing thin.

Ní fhásann féar sa phaiste sin.

Grass doesn't grow in that patch.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Patch in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for patch?

The Irish for patch is paiste (pronounced “PASH-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is paistí. Depending on context it can also mean spell.

How do you pronounce paiste in Irish?

Paiste is said like “PASH-tyuh” (IPA /ˈpˠaʃtʲə/).

What is the plural of patch in Irish?

The plural of paiste is paistí; with the article, na paistí means “the patches”. The genitive plural is paistí, as in cuilt phaistí (a patchwork quilt).

Does paiste have more than one meaning?

Yes. Paiste can mean patch or spell, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does paiste change to phaiste or bpaiste?

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

What is the difference between 'paiste' and 'preabán'?

Both can mean a patch on clothing; 'preabán' is specifically a patch or piece sewn on, while 'paiste' is more general and also covers a patch of ground or a spell of time.

How do I say 'to patch something'?

Use the verb 'paisteáil', for example 'phaisteáil sé an seaicéad', he patched the jacket.

Patch in Irish (Paiste): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage