Wedding in Irish (Bainis): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for wedding?

The Irish for wedding is bainis (pronounced “BAN-ish”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bainiseacha. Depending on context it can also mean feast.

Q: What is the plural of wedding in Irish?

The plural of bainis is bainiseacha; with the article, it is na bainiseacha. The genitive plural is bainiseacha, as in séasúr na mbainiseacha (the wedding season).

Q: Does bainis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bainis can mean wedding or feast, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “wedding” in Irish

Irish:: bainis
English:: wedding, feast
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BAN-ish” /ˈbanʲəʃ/

Various forms

Plural:: bainiseacha
Genitive singular:: bainise, na bainise (e.g. lá na bainise, the wedding day)
Genitive plural:: bainiseacha, na mbainiseacha (e.g. séasúr na mbainiseacha, the wedding season)

What does “bainis” mean?

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

wedding: A wedding celebration, especially the feast and festivities that follow a marriage ceremony.Also: wedding feast, wedding reception, marriage celebration.

1 other meaning: feast

2feast: A great feast or lavish spread of food and drink, by extension from a wedding feast.Also: banquet, spread.

“Bainis” with the article

The plural of wedding in Irish is bainiseacha. Here is bainis after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhainis

the wedding

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bainiseacha

the wedding (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Bainis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bainis, the Irish word for wedding.

Beidh bainis mhór acu i mí an Mheithimh.

They're having a big wedding in June.

Bhí an bhainis go hiontach ar fad.

The wedding was absolutely wonderful.

Cheannaigh sí gúna nua don bhainis.

She bought a new dress for the wedding.

Bhí ceol agus damhsa ag an mbainis go maidin.

There was music and dancing at the wedding until morning.

Thug sé óráid bhreá ag béile na bainise.

He gave a fine speech at the wedding meal.

Bíonn bainiseacha an-chostasach na laethanta seo.

Weddings are very expensive these days.

Bhí mé ag ullmhú do mo bhainis.

I was getting ready for my wedding.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Wedding in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for wedding?

The Irish for wedding is bainis (pronounced “BAN-ish”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bainiseacha. Depending on context it can also mean feast.

How do you pronounce bainis in Irish?

Bainis is said like “BAN-ish” (IPA /ˈbanʲəʃ/).

What is the plural of wedding in Irish?

The plural of bainis is bainiseacha; with the article, it is na bainiseacha. The genitive plural is bainiseacha, as in séasúr na mbainiseacha (the wedding season).

Does bainis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bainis can mean wedding or feast, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bainis change to bhainis or mbainis?

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

What is the difference between 'bainis' and 'pósadh'?

'Pósadh' is the act of marrying or the marriage ceremony itself, while 'bainis' is the wedding celebration or feast. You might say 'tar éis an phósta bhí bainis mhór ann'.

How do I say 'wedding ring' or 'wedding cake'?

Use the genitive: 'fáinne bainise' for a wedding ring and 'cáca bainise' for a wedding cake.

Wedding in Irish (Bainis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage