HeyRuaHow to say “a little” in Irish
- Irish:
- beagán
- English:
- a little, a few
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BYUG-awn” /ˈbʲɔɡɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- beagáin (small amounts)
- Genitive singular:
- beagáin, an bheagáin (e.g. luach an bheagáin, the value of the little)
- Genitive plural:
- beagán, na mbeagán (e.g. suim na mbeagán, the sum of the small amounts)
What does “beagán” mean?
“Beagán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- a little
- A small amount or quantity of something.Also: a bit, small amount, little.
1 other meaning: a few
- 2a few
- A small number of people or things, used with a genitive plural noun.Also: few, small number.
“Beagán” with the article
The plural of a little in Irish is beagáin. Here is beagán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beagán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beagán, the Irish word for a little.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “beagán”
A little in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for a little?
The Irish for a little is beagán (pronounced “BYUG-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is beagáin. Depending on context it can also mean a few.
How do you pronounce beagán in Irish?
Beagán is said like “BYUG-awn” (IPA /ˈbʲɔɡɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of a little in Irish?
The plural of beagán is beagáin; with the article, na beagáin means “the small amounts”. The genitive plural is beagán, as in suim na mbeagán (the sum of the small amounts).
Does beagán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beagán can mean a little or a few, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does beagán change to bheagán or mbeagán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beagán becomes mo bheagán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeagán (eclipsis).
What case follows beagán?
The noun after beagán goes into the genitive: beagán airgid (a little money), beagán daoine (a few people).
What is the opposite of beagán?
The opposite is mórán, a lot, as in mórán cainte ar bheagán cúise (much talk about little cause).
