Prayer in Irish (Paidir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for prayer?

The Irish for prayer is paidir (pronounced “PADJ-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is paidreacha. Depending on context it can also mean lord's prayer.

Q: What is the plural of prayer in Irish?

The plural of paidir is paidreacha; with the article, na paidreacha means “the prayers”. The genitive plural is paidreacha, as in leabhar paidreacha (prayer book).

Q: Does paidir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Paidir can mean prayer or lord's prayer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “prayer” in Irish

Irish:: paidir
English:: prayer, lord's prayer
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “PADJ-ir” /ˈpˠadʲəɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: paidreacha (prayers)
Genitive singular:: paidre, na paidre (e.g. focail na paidre, the words of the prayer)
Genitive plural:: paidreacha, na bpaidreacha (e.g. leabhar paidreacha, prayer book)

What does “paidir” mean?

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

prayer: A set of words said when speaking to God, especially a short recited prayer.Also: orison, short prayer.

1 other meaning: lord's prayer

2lord's prayer: The Our Father, often called 'an Phaidir' with the article.Also: our father, paternoster.

Other Irish words for prayer: urnaí (prayer), guí (prayer)

“Paidir” with the article

The plural of prayer in Irish is paidreacha. Here is paidir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an phaidir

the prayer

Lenition: p becomes ph after an (feminine noun)

na paidreacha

the prayers

Plural: no change after na

“Paidir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using paidir, the Irish word for prayer.

Dúirt sí paidir sula ndeachaigh sí a chodladh.

She said a prayer before she went to sleep.

Abair an Phaidir os ard, le do thoil.

Say the Our Father aloud, please.

Níl focail na paidre sin ar eolas agam.

I don't know the words of that prayer.

Mhúin mo sheanmháthair na paidreacha dom.

My grandmother taught me the prayers.

Cuirfidh mé paidir leis an tseanbhean bhocht.

I'll say a prayer for the poor old woman.

Freagraíodh mo phaidir faoi dheireadh.

My prayer was answered at last.

Tá paidir dheas i nGaeilge ar an gcárta sin.

There is a lovely prayer in Irish on that card.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

fáthreason fiúworth taithíexperience comórtascompetition suísitting suísitting

Prayer in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for prayer?

The Irish for prayer is paidir (pronounced “PADJ-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is paidreacha. Depending on context it can also mean lord's prayer.

How do you pronounce paidir in Irish?

Paidir is said like “PADJ-ir” (IPA /ˈpˠadʲəɾʲ/).

What is the plural of prayer in Irish?

The plural of paidir is paidreacha; with the article, na paidreacha means “the prayers”. The genitive plural is paidreacha, as in leabhar paidreacha (prayer book).

Does paidir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Paidir can mean prayer or lord's prayer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does paidir change to phaidir or bpaidir?

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

What is the difference between 'paidir' and 'urnaí'?

'Paidir' is usually a set, recited prayer such as the Our Father, while 'urnaí' is prayer in general or the act of praying.

How do you say 'to pray for someone'?

A common phrase is 'paidir a chur le duine', for example 'Cuir paidir liom' (Say a prayer for me).

Prayer in Irish (Paidir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage