HeyRuaHow to say “beast” in Irish
- Irish:
- beithíoch
- English:
- beast, head of cattle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BEH-heekh” /ˈbʲɛhiːx/
- Plural:
- beithígh (beasts)
- Genitive singular:
- beithígh, an bheithígh (e.g. adharca an bheithígh, the beast's horns)
- Genitive plural:
- beithíoch, na mbeithíoch (e.g. aonach na mbeithíoch, the cattle fair)
What does “beithíoch” mean?
“Beithíoch” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- beast
- A large animal, especially a farm animal; also used of a brutish person.Also: animal, brute, creature.
“Beithíoch” with the article
The plural of beast in Irish is beithígh. Here is beithíoch after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beithíoch” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beithíoch, the Irish word for beast.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Beast in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for beast?
The Irish for beast is beithíoch (pronounced “BEH-heekh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is beithígh. Depending on context it can also mean head of cattle.
How do you pronounce beithíoch in Irish?
Beithíoch is said like “BEH-heekh” (IPA /ˈbʲɛhiːx/).
What is the plural of beast in Irish?
The plural of beithíoch is beithígh; with the article, na beithígh means “the beasts”. The genitive plural is beithíoch, as in aonach na mbeithíoch (the cattle fair).
Does beithíoch have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beithíoch can mean beast or head of cattle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does beithíoch change to bheithíoch or mbeithíoch?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beithíoch becomes mo bheithíoch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeithíoch (eclipsis).
What is the difference between beithíoch and ainmhí?
Ainmhí is the general word for any animal, while beithíoch usually means a large beast, especially a head of cattle on a farm.
Can beithíoch be used of a person?
Yes, like English 'brute', calling someone a beithíoch means they are rough or brutish.
