bainne
/ˈb̥aɲə/masculine
bainne is the Gaelic word for milk.
It is related to the verb bleoghainn, which means to express any liquid or specifically to express milk from a mammal.
Meaning: liquid (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
bainne is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥aɲə/
Did you know?
- In very old Gaelic texts, the word bainne may refer to a single drop of something precious rather than a volume of milk.
- An Irish speaker might use phrases involving 'bainne' to describe a person's complexion or level of health.
- In older Gaelic poetic traditions, mentioning bainne can signify abundance and fertility, much like a 'land of plenty'.
Examples in context
- Tha am bainne nas fheàrr na am bùrn.Milk is better than water.This sentence is useful for comparing bainne to water.Tatoeba #3573537 by emigonza, translation #5745563 by Catriona
- An cuir thu am bainne anns a' chupa?Will you put the milk in the cup?This sentence shows how to use bainne when talking about putting it in a cup.Tatoeba #9282879 by megamanenm, translation #9282880 by megamanenm
- Nach toir thu dhomh glainne bainne a bharrachd?Will you give me another glass of milk?This sentence demonstrates asking for a glass of bainne.Tatoeba #1514060 by Cainntear, translation #32210 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Isla and Finlay are preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
- IslaA bheil bainne aig an t-seinn?Is there any milk left?
- FinlayCha chiomhairg mi bainne sam bith.I don't see any milk.
- IslaIs fheàrr leam bainne mo chàis.I prefer milk in my tea.
- FinlayGabh bainne bhon tjùr a thas.Get some milk from the store downstairs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “milk” translations and entries bainne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
