HeyRuaHow to say “widow” in Irish
- Irish:
- baintreach
- English:
- widow, widower
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAN-tchrukh” /ˈbˠanʲtʲɾʲəx/
- Plural:
- baintreacha (widows)
- Genitive singular:
- baintrí, na baintrí (e.g. teach na baintrí, the widow's house)
- Genitive plural:
- baintreach, na mbaintreach (e.g. pinsean baintreach, widows' pension)
What does “baintreach” mean?
“Baintreach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- widow
- A woman whose husband has died and who has not married again.Also: widowed woman, bereaved wife.
1 other meaning: widower
- 2widower
- A man whose wife has died, usually expressed as 'baintreach fir'.Also: widowed man.
“Baintreach” with the article
The plural of widow in Irish is baintreacha. Here is baintreach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Baintreach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using baintreach, the Irish word for widow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Widow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for widow?
The Irish for widow is baintreach (pronounced “BAN-tchrukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is baintreacha. Depending on context it can also mean widower.
How do you pronounce baintreach in Irish?
Baintreach is said like “BAN-tchrukh” (IPA /ˈbˠanʲtʲɾʲəx/).
What is the plural of widow in Irish?
The plural of baintreach is baintreacha; with the article, na baintreacha means “the widows”. The genitive plural is baintreach, as in pinsean baintreach (widows' pension).
Does baintreach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Baintreach can mean widow or widower, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does baintreach change to bhaintreach or mbaintreach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) baintreach becomes mo bhaintreach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbaintreach (eclipsis).
How do I say 'widower' in Irish?
Use 'baintreach fir', literally 'widow of a man'; 'baintreach' on its own usually means a widow, and 'baintreach mná' makes it explicit.
What is the word for widowhood?
Widowhood is 'baintreachas', as in 'i mbaintreachas', meaning in widowhood.
