Restaurant in Irish (Bialann): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for restaurant?

The Irish for restaurant is bialann (pronounced “BEE-uh-lun”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bialanna. Depending on context it can also mean canteen.

Q: What is the plural of restaurant in Irish?

The plural of bialann is bialanna; with the article, na bialanna means “the restaurants”. The genitive plural is bialann, as in liosta na mbialann (the list of restaurants).

Q: Does bialann have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bialann can mean restaurant or canteen, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “restaurant” in Irish

Irish:: bialann
English:: restaurant, canteen
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BEE-uh-lun” /ˈbʲiəl̪ˠən̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: bialanna (restaurants)
Genitive singular:: bialainne, na bialainne (e.g. doras na bialainne, the door of the restaurant)
Genitive plural:: bialann, na mbialann (e.g. liosta na mbialann, the list of restaurants)

What does “bialann” mean?

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

restaurant: A place where you can buy and eat meals.Also: diner, eating house, cafe.

1 other meaning: canteen

2canteen: A dining room in a school, workplace or barracks where meals are served.Also: refectory, mess hall, dining hall.

“Bialann” with the article

The plural of restaurant in Irish is bialanna. Here is bialann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhialann

the restaurant

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bialanna

the restaurants

Plural: no change after na

“Bialann” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bialann, the Irish word for restaurant.

Chuamar chuig bialann Iodálach aréir.

We went to an Italian restaurant last night.

Bíonn an bhialann gnóthach go leor ag am lóin.

The restaurant tends to be quite busy at lunchtime.

Tá mé ag obair mar fhreastalaí i mbialann.

I work as a waiter in a restaurant.

An maith libh bheith ag ithe i mbialanna?

Do you like eating in restaurants?

Is é úinéir na bialainne m'uncail.

The owner of the restaurant is my uncle.

Itheann na hoibrithe a lón sa bhialann.

The workers eat their lunch in the restaurant.

Tá bialanna maithe go leor sa bhaile seo.

There are plenty of good restaurants in this town.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

fadlength leabharbook súileye ainmname eolasknowledge siúlwalking

Restaurant in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for restaurant?

The Irish for restaurant is bialann (pronounced “BEE-uh-lun”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bialanna. Depending on context it can also mean canteen.

How do you pronounce bialann in Irish?

Bialann is said like “BEE-uh-lun” (IPA /ˈbʲiəl̪ˠən̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of restaurant in Irish?

The plural of bialann is bialanna; with the article, na bialanna means “the restaurants”. The genitive plural is bialann, as in liosta na mbialann (the list of restaurants).

Does bialann have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bialann can mean restaurant or canteen, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bialann change to bhialann or mbialann?

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

What is the difference between 'bialann' and 'proinnteach'?

'Bialann' is the everyday word for a restaurant or canteen, while 'proinnteach' is a more formal word for a refectory or dining hall.

How do I say 'in the restaurant'?

Say 'sa bhialann' in the standard, though Connacht speakers often say 'sa mbialann'.

Restaurant in Irish (Bialann): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage