báisteach
/ˈbˠɑːʃtʲəx/
The Irish word for rain is báisteach.
báisteach is a noun used to describe an instance of particles falling.
Meaning: an instance of particles falling (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbˠɑːʃtʲəx/
Did you know?
- The term báisteach is thought to derive from an ancient root meaning 'top' or 'crown', implying that rain is a gift or a substance descending from the highest point of the heavens.
- In many Irish dialects, the word for 'rain' is not just a weather event but is part of a complex system of 'weather-words' that can describe everything from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour with extreme specificity.
- In Irish folklore and song, the rain is often personified or treated with a level of poetic respect that goes beyond a mere meteorological occurrence.
Examples in context
- Tá an báisteach láidir.The rain is heavy.
- An bhfuil an báisteach ag stopadh?Is the rain stopping?
Example conversation
Cian and Niamh are looking out the window.
- CianBreathnaigh, tá báisteach ann!Look, there is rain!
- NiamhÓ, ní raibh mé ag súil air.Oh, I wasn't expecting it.
- CianAn bhfuil d'uimpeall agat, a Niamh?Do you have your umbrella, Niamh?
- NiamhNíl sé liom, go a Cian.I don't have it with me, Cian.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry báisteach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries báisteach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
