HeyRuaHow to say “prayer” in Irish
- Irish:
- urnaí
- English:
- prayer, praying
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OOR-nee” /ˈuːɾˠn̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- urnaithe (prayers)
- Genitive singular:
- urnaí, na hurnaí (e.g. am na hurnaí, prayer time)
- Genitive plural:
- urnaithe, na n-urnaithe (e.g. leabhar na n-urnaithe, the book of prayers)
What does “urnaí” mean?
“Urnaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- prayer
- A spoken or silent request or act of thanks addressed to God or a saint.Also: praying, orison.
“Urnaí” with the article
The plural of prayer in Irish is urnaithe. Here is urnaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Urnaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using urnaí, 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 urnaí (pronounced “OOR-nee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is urnaithe. Depending on context it can also mean praying.
How do you pronounce urnaí in Irish?
Urnaí is said like “OOR-nee” (IPA /ˈuːɾˠn̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of prayer in Irish?
The plural of urnaí is urnaithe; with the article, na hurnaithe means “the prayers”. The genitive plural is urnaithe, as in leabhar na n-urnaithe (the book of prayers).
Does urnaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Urnaí can mean prayer or praying, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does urnaí sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an urnaí (the prayer), a hurnaí (her prayer), a n-urnaí (their prayer), na hurnaithe (the prayers).
What is the difference between urnaí and paidir?
Paidir is a specific prayer, often the Our Father or a set prayer, while urnaí is a more general and formal word for prayer or praying. Both are commonly used: 'paidir a rá' or 'urnaí a dhéanamh'.
