HeyRuaHow to say “prosperity” in Irish
- Irish:
- bail
- English:
- prosperity, condition, validity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bal” /bˠalʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- baile, na baile (e.g. easpa na baile, the lack of prosperity)
What does “bail” mean?
“Bail” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- prosperity
- Good fortune or success, used especially in blessings such as 'bail ó Dhia ort'.Also: success, good fortune, blessing.
2 other meanings: condition or validity
- 2condition
- The state or proper order something is in, or the treatment it has received.Also: state, order, shape, treatment.
- 3validity
- The quality of being legally or formally valid, as in 'gan bhail' meaning void.Also: effect, force.
Other Irish words for prosperity: rath (prosperity), rathúnas (prosperity)
“Bail” with the article
Here is bail after the article (an t-alt).
“Bail” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bail, the Irish word for prosperity.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Prosperity in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for prosperity?
The Irish for prosperity is bail (pronounced “bal”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean condition or validity.
How do you pronounce bail in Irish?
Bail is said like “bal” (IPA /bˠalʲ/).
Does bail have a plural?
No plural form is given for bail in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bail have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bail can mean prosperity, condition or validity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bail change to bhail or mbail?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bail becomes mo bhail (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbail (eclipsis).
What does 'bail ó Dhia ort' mean and when is it used?
It means 'God bless you' and is said as a greeting or when praising someone or their work, often to avoid bringing bad luck; the reply is often 'go mba hé duit'.
Is 'bail' related to 'baile' meaning town?
No. 'Baile' is also the genitive of 'bail' (easpa baile), but the noun 'baile' meaning town or home is a separate word.
