HeyRuaHow to say “rain” in Irish
- Irish:
- báisteach
- English:
- rain
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- báistigh, to rain (ag báisteach, raining)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAWSH-tyukh” /ˈbˠɑːʃtʲəx/
- Genitive singular:
- báistí, na báistí (e.g. lá báistí, a rainy day)
What does “báisteach” mean?
- rain
- Water falling in drops from the clouds.Also: rainfall, shower, downpour.
Other Irish words for rain: fearthainn (rain), báistigh (rain)
“Báisteach” as a verbal noun
After ag, báisteach means raining: it is the verbal noun of the verb báistigh (to rain). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Báisteach” with the article
Here is báisteach after the article (an t-alt).
“Báisteach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using báisteach, the Irish word for rain.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “báisteach”
Rain in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for rain?
The Irish for rain is báisteach (pronounced “BAWSH-tyukh”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce báisteach in Irish?
Báisteach is said like “BAWSH-tyukh” (IPA /ˈbˠɑːʃtʲəx/).
Does báisteach have a plural?
No plural form is given for báisteach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does báisteach change to bháisteach or mbáisteach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) báisteach becomes mo bháisteach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbáisteach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'báisteach' and 'fearthainn'?
Both mean rain; 'báisteach' is the standard and most widespread word, while 'fearthainn' is common in Ulster and parts of Connacht.
How do I say 'it is raining'?
Say 'Tá sé ag cur báistí', using the genitive 'báistí' after 'ag cur'.
