HeyRuaHow to say “year” in Irish
- Irish:
- bliain
- English:
- year, year of age
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BLEE-in” /bʲlʲiənʲ/
- Plural:
- blianta (years)
- Genitive singular:
- bliana, na bliana (e.g. tús na bliana, the beginning of the year)
- Genitive plural:
- blianta, na mblianta (e.g. i rith na mblianta, over the years)
What does “bliain” mean?
“Bliain” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- year
- A period of twelve months, or the time it takes the earth to go round the sun.Also: twelve months, annum.
1 other meaning: year of age
- 2year of age
- Used with numbers to give someone's age, in the special counted form 'bliana' after numbers like trí, ceithre, cúig, sé.Also: year old, age, years of age.
“Bliain” with the article
The plural of year in Irish is blianta. Here is bliain after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bliain” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bliain, the Irish word for year.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “bliain”
Year in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for year?
The Irish for year is bliain (pronounced “BLEE-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is blianta. Depending on context it can also mean year of age.
How do you pronounce bliain in Irish?
Bliain is said like “BLEE-in” (IPA /bʲlʲiənʲ/).
What is the plural of year in Irish?
The plural of bliain is blianta; with the article, na blianta means “the years”. The genitive plural is blianta, as in i rith na mblianta (over the years).
Does bliain have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bliain can mean year or year of age, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bliain change to bhliain or mbliain?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bliain becomes mo bhliain (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbliain (eclipsis).
Why do I see both 'bliain' and 'bliana' after numbers?
After trí, ceithre, cúig and sé the special form 'bliana' is used, as in 'trí bliana', and after seacht to deich it is eclipsed: 'seacht mbliana'. After 'aon' and 'dhá' you say 'aon bhliain' and 'dhá bhliain'.
How do I say 'per year' or 'last year'?
'Per year' is 'sa bhliain', as in 'uair sa bhliain'. 'Last year' is usually the adverb 'anuraidh', and 'next year' is 'an bhliain seo chugainn'.
