HeyRuaHow to say “beaver” in Irish
- Irish:
- béabhar
- English:
- beaver, beaver hat
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAY-vur” /bʲeːwəɾ/
- Plural:
- béabhair (beavers)
- Genitive singular:
- béabhair, an bhéabhair (e.g. eireaball an bhéabhair, the beaver's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- béabhar, na mbéabhar (e.g. damba na mbéabhar, the beavers' dam)
What does “béabhar” mean?
“Béabhar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- beaver
- A large rodent with a flat tail that lives by rivers and builds dams.Also: beavers.
1 other meaning: beaver hat
- 2beaver hat
- A hat made of beaver fur or a similar felt.Also: beaver, fur hat.
“Béabhar” with the article
The plural of beaver in Irish is béabhair. Here is béabhar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Béabhar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using béabhar, the Irish word for beaver.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Beaver in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for beaver?
The Irish for beaver is béabhar (pronounced “BAY-vur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is béabhair. Depending on context it can also mean beaver hat.
How do you pronounce béabhar in Irish?
Béabhar is said like “BAY-vur” (IPA /bʲeːwəɾ/).
What is the plural of beaver in Irish?
The plural of béabhar is béabhair; with the article, na béabhair means “the beavers”. The genitive plural is béabhar, as in damba na mbéabhar (the beavers' dam).
Does béabhar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Béabhar can mean beaver or beaver hat, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does béabhar change to bhéabhar or mbéabhar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) béabhar becomes mo bhéabhar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbéabhar (eclipsis).
Is 'béabhar' the same as 'dobharchú'?
No. 'Béabhar' is a beaver, while 'dobharchú' or 'madra uisce' is an otter.
