banais
/ˈb̥ãniʃ/feminine
The Gaelic word for wedding is banais. Wiktionary also lists pòsadh.
Meaning: marriage ceremony (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| banais | /ˈb̥ãniʃ/ /ˈb̥ɛniʃ/ |
feminine |
| pòsadh | /ˈpʰɔːs̪əɣ/ | masculine |
The word banais refers to the wedding ceremony or the event itself. It is a feminine noun.
Which one should you use?
banais refers to the specific ceremony or event, whereas pòsadh refers to the act of marrying or the state of marriage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ireland, the Irish equivalent pòsadh is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥ãniʃ/
Did you know?
- The term banais comes from the Proto-Celtic word *banowessā, which links the Gaelic tradition of weddings to ancient Celtic customs across Europe.
- In traditional Gaelic culture, the banais was not just for the couple but served as a critical social contract to unite two entire clans.
- In the Highlands, a banais was traditionally held in the family home rather than a church or hotel, turning the domestic space into a public venue.
Examples in context
- Rud a thachras tric aig banais.Something that often happens at a wedding.This sentence illustrates something that often happens at a banais.
- banais-taigheHouse wedding, wedding reception at homeThis phrase describes a house wedding or a wedding reception at home using banais.
Example conversation
Isla and Angus are discussing an upcoming event.
- IslaA bheil thu a' falbh don banais?Are you going to the wedding?
- AngusTha, bidh mi an sin.Yes, I will be there.
- IslaCò a tha a' bàsachadh a' banais?Who is organizing the wedding?
- AngusTha an teaghlach a' dèanamh an uile rud.The family is doing everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedding” translations and entries banais, pòsadh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
