HeyRuaHow to say “bit” in Irish
- Irish:
- béalbhach
- English:
- bit, curb, restraint
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAYL-wukh” /ˈbʲeːlˠwəx/
- Plural:
- béalbhacha (bits)
- Genitive singular:
- béalbhaí, na béalbhaí (e.g. fáinne na béalbhaí, the ring of the bit)
- Genitive plural:
- béalbhach, na mbéalbhach (e.g. déantóir na mbéalbhach, the bit maker)
What does “béalbhach” mean?
“Béalbhach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bit
- The metal bar of a bridle that goes in a horse's mouth.Also: horse bit, bridle bit, snaffle.
“Béalbhach” with the article
The plural of bit in Irish is béalbhacha. Here is béalbhach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Béalbhach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using béalbhach, the Irish word for bit.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bit in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bit?
The Irish for bit is béalbhach (pronounced “BAYL-wukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is béalbhacha. Depending on context it can also mean curb, restraint.
How do you pronounce béalbhach in Irish?
Béalbhach is said like “BAYL-wukh” (IPA /ˈbʲeːlˠwəx/).
What is the plural of bit in Irish?
The plural of béalbhach is béalbhacha; with the article, na béalbhacha means “the bits”. The genitive plural is béalbhach, as in déantóir na mbéalbhach (the bit maker).
Does béalbhach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Béalbhach can mean bit or curb, restraint, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does béalbhach change to bhéalbhach or mbéalbhach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) béalbhach becomes mo bhéalbhach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbéalbhach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'béalbhach' and 'srian'?
'Béalbhach' is the bit itself, the metal piece in the horse's mouth, while 'srian' is the whole bridle or the reins.
