HeyRuaHow to say “whitening” in Irish
- Irish:
- bánú
- English:
- whitening, dawn, depopulation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- bánaigh, to whiten (ag bánú, whitening)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BAW-noo” /ˈbˠaːn̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- bánaithe, an bhánaithe (e.g. tréimhse an bhánaithe, the period of whitening)
What does “bánú” mean?
“Bánú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- whitening
- The act of making or becoming white or pale; verbal noun of the verb bánaigh.Also: blanching, paling, bleaching.
2 other meanings: dawn or depopulation
- 2dawn
- The first light of day, used in the phrase bánú an lae.Also: daybreak, first light.
- 3depopulation
- The emptying of a place of its people or the laying waste of land; verbal noun of bánaigh.Also: devastation, laying waste, clearance.
“Bánú” as a verbal noun
After ag, bánú means whitening: it is the verbal noun of the verb bánaigh (to whiten). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Bánú” with the article
Here is bánú after the article (an t-alt).
“Bánú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bánú, the Irish word for whitening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Whitening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for whitening?
The Irish for whitening is bánú (pronounced “BAW-noo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dawn or depopulation.
How do you pronounce bánú in Irish?
Bánú is said like “BAW-noo” (IPA /ˈbˠaːn̪ˠuː/).
Does bánú have a plural?
No plural form is given for bánú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bánú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bánú can mean whitening, dawn or depopulation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bánú change to bhánú or mbánú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bánú becomes mo bhánú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbánú (eclipsis).
How do you say 'at dawn' using bánú?
Say le bánú an lae or ar bhánú an lae; breacadh an lae is a common alternative.
