How to say “princess” in Irish
- Irish:
- banphrionsa
- English:
- princess
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAN-frin-suh” /ˈbˠanˠˌfʲɾʲɪnˠsˠə/
- Plural:
- banphrionsaí (princesses)
- Genitive singular:
- banphrionsa, an bhanphrionsa (e.g. gúna an bhanphrionsa, the princess's dress)
- Genitive plural:
- banphrionsaí, na mbanphrionsaí (e.g. scéalta na mbanphrionsaí, the stories of the princesses)
What does “banphrionsa” mean?
- princess
- A female member of a royal family, especially the daughter of a king or queen, or the wife of a prince.Also: royal daughter, prince's wife.
“Banphrionsa” with the article
The plural of princess in Irish is banphrionsaí. Here is banphrionsa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Banphrionsa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using banphrionsa, the Irish word for princess.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Princess in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for princess?
The Irish for princess is banphrionsa (pronounced “BAN-frin-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is banphrionsaí.
How do you pronounce banphrionsa in Irish?
Banphrionsa is said like “BAN-frin-suh” (IPA /ˈbˠanˠˌfʲɾʲɪnˠsˠə/).
What is the plural of princess in Irish?
The plural of banphrionsa is banphrionsaí; with the article, na banphrionsaí means “the princesses”. The genitive plural is banphrionsaí, as in scéalta na mbanphrionsaí (the stories of the princesses).
Why does banphrionsa change to bhanphrionsa or mbanphrionsa?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) banphrionsa becomes mo bhanphrionsa (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbanphrionsa (eclipsis).
Is 'banphrionsa' masculine even though it means a woman?
Yes, grammatically banphrionsa is masculine, like prionsa, so you say an banphrionsa; but pronouns referring to her are feminine: tá sí ann.
How is 'banphrionsa' formed?
It is ban- (woman, female) plus prionsa (prince), the same pattern as banaltra or banfhile.
