HeyRuaHow to say “prayer” in Irish
- Irish:
- guí
- English:
- prayer, wish
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- guigh, to pray (ag guí, praying)
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gee” /ɡiː/
- Plural:
- guíonna (prayers)
- Genitive singular:
- guí, na guí (e.g. am na guí, time of prayer)
- Genitive plural:
- guíonna, na nguíonna (e.g. leabhar na nguíonna, the book of the prayers)
What does “guí” mean?
“Guí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- prayer
- A prayer or petition addressed to God or a saint; also the verbal noun of the verb 'guigh', the act of praying.Also: praying, petition, supplication.
“Guí” as a verbal noun
After ag, guí means praying: it is the verbal noun of the verb guigh (to pray). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Guí” with the article
The plural of prayer in Irish is guíonna. Here is guí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Guí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using guí, the Irish word for prayer.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Prayer in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for prayer?
The Irish for prayer is guí (pronounced “gee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is guíonna. Depending on context it can also mean wish.
How do you pronounce guí in Irish?
Guí is said like “gee” (IPA /ɡiː/).
What is the plural of prayer in Irish?
The plural of guí is guíonna; with the article, na guíonna means “the prayers”. The genitive plural is guíonna, as in leabhar na nguíonna (the book of the prayers).
Does guí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Guí can mean prayer or wish, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does guí change to ghuí or nguí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) guí becomes mo ghuí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nguí (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'guí', 'paidir' and 'urnaí'?
'Paidir' is a set prayer such as the Our Father, 'urnaí' is prayer or a prayer generally, and 'guí' is praying or a heartfelt petition, also used for wishes.
How do I say 'praying' in Irish?
Use 'ag guí', for example 'Tá siad ag guí', 'They are praying'.
