Wake in Irish (Tórramh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for wake?

The Irish for wake is tórramh (pronounced “TOH-ruv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tórraimh. Depending on context it can also mean funeral.

Q: What is the plural of wake in Irish?

The plural of tórramh is tórraimh; with the article, na tórraimh means “the wakes”. The genitive plural is tórramh, as in nósanna na dtórramh (the customs of wakes).

Q: Does tórramh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tórramh can mean wake or funeral, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “wake” in Irish

Irish:: tórramh
English:: wake, funeral
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “TOH-ruv” /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠəvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: tórraimh (wakes)
Genitive singular:: tórraimh, an tórraimh (e.g. oíche an tórraimh, the night of the wake)
Genitive plural:: tórramh, na dtórramh (e.g. nósanna na dtórramh, the customs of wakes)

What does “tórramh” mean?

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

wake: The gathering held at the house of a dead person before the funeral, where people watch over the body, pray and share memories.Also: watching the dead, vigil for the dead.

1 other meaning: funeral

2funeral: In some areas, the funeral or burial of a dead person.Also: burial.

Other Irish words for wake: dúisigh (wake up), múscail (wake)

“Tórramh” with the article

The plural of wake in Irish is tórraimh. Here is tórramh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tórramh

the wake

No change after an

na tórraimh

the wakes

Plural: no change after na

“Tórramh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tórramh, the Irish word for wake.

Beimid ag dul chuig an tórramh anocht.

We'll be going to the wake tonight.

Bhí slua mór ag tórramh an tseanfhir.

There was a big crowd at the old man's wake.

Chonaic mé do dheartháir ag an tórramh.

I saw your brother at the wake.

Bhí an teach plódaithe oíche an tórraimh.

The house was packed on the night of the wake.

Ba ghnách le daoine cluichí a imirt ag tórraimh.

People used to play games at wakes.

Bhí ceol agus scéalta ag an tórramh sin.

There was music and storytelling at that wake.

Ní raibh mé riamh ag tórramh roimhe seo.

I had never been to a wake before.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

moladhpraise seilbhpossession nóiméadminute páircfield oiliúinttraining staidéarstudy

Wake in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for wake?

The Irish for wake is tórramh (pronounced “TOH-ruv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tórraimh. Depending on context it can also mean funeral.

How do you pronounce tórramh in Irish?

Tórramh is said like “TOH-ruv” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠəvˠ/).

What is the plural of wake in Irish?

The plural of tórramh is tórraimh; with the article, na tórraimh means “the wakes”. The genitive plural is tórramh, as in nósanna na dtórramh (the customs of wakes).

Does tórramh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tórramh can mean wake or funeral, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tórramh change to thórramh or dtórramh?

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

What is the difference between 'tórramh' and 'sochraid'?

'Tórramh' is the wake held before burial, while 'sochraid' is the funeral itself, the procession and burial.

Which preposition is used with 'tórramh'?

People say 'ag dul chuig tórramh' or, in some dialects, 'ag dul ag an tórramh'.

Wake in Irish (Tórramh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage