HeyRuaHow to say “wife” in Irish
- Irish:
- banchéile
- English:
- wife
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BAN-hyay-luh” /ˈbˠanˠˌçeːlʲə/
- Plural:
- banchéilí (wives)
- Genitive singular:
- banchéile, an bhanchéile (e.g. ainm a bhanchéile, his wife's name)
- Genitive plural:
- banchéilí, na mbanchéilí (e.g. cearta na mbanchéilí, the rights of the wives)
What does “banchéile” mean?
- wife
- A woman who is married, considered in relation to her husband or spouse.Also: spouse, consort, married woman.
“Banchéile” with the article
The plural of wife in Irish is banchéilí. Here is banchéile after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Banchéile” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using banchéile, the Irish word for wife.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wife in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wife?
The Irish for wife is banchéile (pronounced “BAN-hyay-luh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is banchéilí.
How do you pronounce banchéile in Irish?
Banchéile is said like “BAN-hyay-luh” (IPA /ˈbˠanˠˌçeːlʲə/).
What is the plural of wife in Irish?
The plural of banchéile is banchéilí; with the article, na banchéilí means “the wives”. The genitive plural is banchéilí, as in cearta na mbanchéilí (the rights of the wives).
Why does banchéile change to bhanchéile or mbanchéile?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) banchéile becomes mo bhanchéile (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbanchéile (eclipsis).
Is 'banchéile' the same as 'bean chéile'?
Yes, both mean wife. 'Bean chéile' is the more common everyday phrase, while 'banchéile' is a single compound word used especially in formal or written Irish.
What is the male equivalent of 'banchéile'?
The male equivalent is 'fearchéile' (husband), and 'céile' on its own means spouse of either sex.
