Permanence in Irish (Buaine): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for permanence?

The Irish for permanence is buaine (pronounced “BOO-in-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longevity.

Q: Does buaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaine can mean permanence or longevity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “permanence” in Irish

Irish:: buaine
English:: permanence, longevity
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “BOO-in-yuh” /ˈbˠuənʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: buaine, na buaine (e.g. ceist na buaine, the question of permanence)

What does “buaine” mean?

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

permanence: The quality of lasting for a long time or for ever without changing.Also: durability, lastingness, endurance, constancy.

1 other meaning: longevity

2longevity: Long life or the ability to last a long time.Also: long life, survival.

“Buaine” with the article

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

an bhuaine

the permanence

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Buaine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buaine, the Irish word for permanence.

Níl aon bhuaine ag baint leis an saol seo.

There is no permanence in this life.

Is í buaine an ábhair is tábhachtaí dúinn.

The durability of the material matters most to us.

Bhí imní orthu faoi bhuaine an phoist.

They were worried about how permanent the job was.

Thug an tógálaí ráthaíocht ar bhuaine an dín.

The builder guaranteed the durability of the roof.

Tá buaine ag baint le cairdeas maith.

A good friendship has lasting quality.

Ní raibh buaine sa ghealltanas a thug sé.

There was nothing lasting in the promise he made.

Cuireann siad béim ar bhuaine na hoibre.

They emphasise the permanence of the work.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Permanence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for permanence?

The Irish for permanence is buaine (pronounced “BOO-in-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longevity.

How do you pronounce buaine in Irish?

Buaine is said like “BOO-in-yuh” (IPA /ˈbˠuənʲə/).

Does buaine have a plural?

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

Does buaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaine can mean permanence or longevity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buaine change to bhuaine or mbuaine?

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

How is 'buaine' related to 'buan'?

'Buaine' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'buan' (lasting, permanent), and the same form is also its comparative: 'níos buaine' means 'more lasting'.

Permanence in Irish (Buaine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage