HeyRuaHow to say “beggar” in Irish
- Irish:
- beigéir
- English:
- beggar
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BEG-ayr” /ˈbʲɛɟeːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- beigéirí (beggars)
- Genitive singular:
- beigéara, an bheigéara (e.g. hata an bheigéara, the beggar's hat)
- Genitive plural:
- beigéirí, na mbeigéirí (e.g. saol na mbeigéirí, the life of beggars)
What does “beigéir” mean?
- beggar
- A person who lives by asking other people for money or food.Also: mendicant, panhandler.
Other Irish words for beggar: bacach (beggar)
“Beigéir” with the article
The plural of beggar in Irish is beigéirí. Here is beigéir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beigéir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beigéir, the Irish word for beggar.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Beggar in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for beggar?
The Irish for beggar is beigéir (pronounced “BEG-ayr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is beigéirí.
How do you pronounce beigéir in Irish?
Beigéir is said like “BEG-ayr” (IPA /ˈbʲɛɟeːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of beggar in Irish?
The plural of beigéir is beigéirí; with the article, na beigéirí means “the beggars”. The genitive plural is beigéirí, as in saol na mbeigéirí (the life of beggars).
Why does beigéir change to bheigéir or mbeigéir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beigéir becomes mo bheigéir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeigéir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'beigéir' and 'bacach'?
Both can mean beggar, but 'bacach' is the more traditional word and also means a lame person, while 'beigéir' is a borrowing from English 'beggar'. To beg alms is 'déirc a iarraidh'.
