HeyRuaHow to say “waist” in Irish
- Irish:
- básta
- English:
- waist, bodice
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAWS-tuh” /ˈbˠaːsˠt̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- bástaí (waists)
- Genitive singular:
- básta, an bhásta (e.g. tomhas an bhásta, waist measurement)
- Genitive plural:
- bástaí, na mbástaí (e.g. tomhais na mbástaí, the waist measurements)
What does “básta” mean?
“Básta” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- waist
- The narrow part of the body between the ribs and the hips, or the part of a garment that fits around it.Also: waistline, waistband.
1 other meaning: bodice
- 2bodice
- The upper part of a dress, fitted around the chest and waist.Also: waist of a dress.
Other Irish words for waist: coim (waist)
“Básta” with the article
The plural of waist in Irish is bástaí. Here is básta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Básta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using básta, the Irish word for waist.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Waist in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for waist?
The Irish for waist is básta (pronounced “BAWS-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bástaí. Depending on context it can also mean bodice.
How do you pronounce básta in Irish?
Básta is said like “BAWS-tuh” (IPA /ˈbˠaːsˠt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of waist in Irish?
The plural of básta is bástaí; with the article, na bástaí means “the waists”. The genitive plural is bástaí, as in tomhais na mbástaí (the waist measurements).
Does básta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Básta can mean waist or bodice, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does básta change to bhásta or mbásta?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) básta becomes mo bhásta (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbásta (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'básta' and 'coim'?
'Coim' is the traditional word for the waist of the body, while 'básta' is a borrowing used especially for the waist of a garment, though both are heard for the body.
