Piglet in Irish (Banbh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for piglet?

The Irish for piglet is banbh (pronounced “BAN-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bainbh. Depending on context it can also mean ace of hearts.

Q: What is the plural of piglet in Irish?

The plural of banbh is bainbh; with the article, na bainbh means “the piglets”. The genitive plural is banbh, as in praghas na mbanbh (the price of piglets).

Q: Does banbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Banbh can mean piglet or ace of hearts, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “piglet” in Irish

Irish:: banbh
English:: piglet, ace of hearts
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BAN-uv” /ˈbˠanˠəvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bainbh (piglets)
Genitive singular:: bainbh, an bhainbh (e.g. eireaball an bhainbh, the piglet's tail)
Genitive plural:: banbh, na mbanbh (e.g. praghas na mbanbh, the price of piglets)

What does “banbh” mean?

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

piglet: A young pig, especially one not yet weaned.Also: young pig, bonham, suckling pig, banbh.

1 other meaning: ace of hearts

2ace of hearts: In some card games, the ace of hearts, the highest trump card.Also: trump card.

“Banbh” with the article

The plural of piglet in Irish is bainbh. Here is banbh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an banbh

the piglet

No change after an

na bainbh

the piglets

Plural: no change after na

“Banbh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using banbh, the Irish word for piglet.

Tá banbh beag bándearg sa chró.

There's a little pink piglet in the sty.

Rug an chráin deich gcinn de bhainbh aréir.

The sow had ten piglets last night.

Dhíol m'athair na bainbh ag an aonach.

My father sold the piglets at the fair.

Bhí an banbh ag scréachaíl go hard.

The piglet was squealing loudly.

Thug sí bainne don bhanbh lag.

She gave milk to the weak piglet.

Is maith liom mo bhanbh peata.

I like my pet piglet.

Chuir sé na bainbh isteach sa pháirc.

He put the piglets into the field.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Piglet in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for piglet?

The Irish for piglet is banbh (pronounced “BAN-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bainbh. Depending on context it can also mean ace of hearts.

How do you pronounce banbh in Irish?

Banbh is said like “BAN-uv” (IPA /ˈbˠanˠəvˠ/).

What is the plural of piglet in Irish?

The plural of banbh is bainbh; with the article, na bainbh means “the piglets”. The genitive plural is banbh, as in praghas na mbanbh (the price of piglets).

Does banbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Banbh can mean piglet or ace of hearts, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does banbh change to bhanbh or mbanbh?

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

What is the difference between 'banbh' and 'muc'?

'Muc' is the general word for a pig, while 'banbh' is a young pig or piglet. A breeding sow is 'cráin'.

Why is Ireland sometimes called 'Banba'?

'Banba' is a poetic name for Ireland from mythology and is a separate word from 'banbh', piglet, despite the similar look.

Piglet in Irish (Banbh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage