HeyRuaHow to say “beggar” in Irish
- Irish:
- bacach
- English:
- beggar, lame person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAK-ukh” /ˈbˠakəx/
- Plural:
- bacaigh (beggars)
- Genitive singular:
- bacaigh, an bhacaigh (e.g. mála an bhacaigh, the beggar's bag)
- Genitive plural:
- bacach, na mbacach (e.g. saol na mbacach, the life of the beggars)
What does “bacach” mean?
“Bacach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- beggar
- A person who travels about asking people for money or food; a tramp or vagrant.Also: tramp, vagrant, mendicant.
1 other meaning: lame person
- 2lame person
- A person who walks with a limp or is unable to walk properly.Also: cripple, person with a limp.
Other Irish words for beggar: beigéir (beggar)
“Bacach” with the article
The plural of beggar in Irish is bacaigh. Here is bacach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bacach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bacach, 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 bacach (pronounced “BAK-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bacaigh. Depending on context it can also mean lame person.
How do you pronounce bacach in Irish?
Bacach is said like “BAK-ukh” (IPA /ˈbˠakəx/).
What is the plural of beggar in Irish?
The plural of bacach is bacaigh; with the article, na bacaigh means “the beggars”. The genitive plural is bacach, as in saol na mbacach (the life of the beggars).
Does bacach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bacach can mean beggar or lame person, depending on context; the first is the most common. Bacach also has its own entry as an adjective meaning lame.
Why does bacach change to bhacach or mbacach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bacach becomes mo bhacach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbacach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bacach' and 'déirceoir'?
Both can mean beggar, but 'bacach' suggests a wandering tramp of the roads, while 'déirceoir' is simply someone who begs alms ('déirc').
