HeyRuaHow to say “being” in Irish
- Irish:
- neach
- English:
- being, anyone
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nyakh” /nʲax/
- Plural:
- neacha
- Genitive singular:
- neach, an neach (e.g. beatha an neach, the life of the being)
- Genitive plural:
- neach, na neach (e.g. saol na neach beo, the world of living beings)
What does “neach” mean?
“Neach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- being
- A living creature or person, especially when thought of simply as something that exists and lives.Also: person, creature, individual, living being.
1 other meaning: anyone
- 2anyone
- Used with a negative or in questions to mean any person at all, as in 'níl neach ann'.Also: anybody, no one, nobody.
Other Irish words for being: créatúr (creature)
“Neach” with the article
The plural of being in Irish is neacha. Here is neach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Neach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using neach, the Irish word for being.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Being in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for being?
The Irish for being is neach (pronounced “nyakh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is neacha. Depending on context it can also mean anyone.
How do you pronounce neach in Irish?
Neach is said like “nyakh” (IPA /nʲax/).
What is the plural of being in Irish?
The plural of neach is neacha; with the article, it is na neacha. The genitive plural is neach, as in saol na neach beo (the world of living beings).
Does neach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Neach can mean being or anyone, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'neach' and 'duine'?
'Duine' is the everyday word for a person, while 'neach' is more formal and means any being or creature, as in 'neach daonna' (human being).
How do I say 'not a soul' with 'neach'?
Use a negative with 'neach beo', for example 'Ní raibh neach beo ann' (there wasn't a living soul there).
