HeyRuaHow to say “bit” in Irish
- Irish:
- giotán
- English:
- bit, little bit
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gih-TAWN” /ɟɪˈt̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- giotáin (bits)
- Genitive singular:
- giotáin, an ghiotáin (e.g. faobhar an ghiotáin, the edge of the bit)
- Genitive plural:
- giotán, na ngiotán (e.g. faobhar na ngiotán, the edges of the bits)
What does “giotán” mean?
“Giotán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bit
- A small piece or fragment of something.Also: piece, fragment, morsel, scrap.
2 other meanings: little bit
- 2little bit
- A small amount or degree of something, often used adverbially as 'giotán' meaning 'a little'.Also: small amount, touch, a little.
- 3bit
- In computing, the smallest unit of data, a binary digit.Also: binary digit.
Other Irish words for bit: mír (bit), píosa (piece), pioc (bit), blúire (fragment)
“Giotán” with the article
The plural of bit in Irish is giotáin. Here is giotán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giotán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giotán, 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 giotán (pronounced “gih-TAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giotáin. Depending on context it can also mean little bit.
How do you pronounce giotán in Irish?
Giotán is said like “gih-TAWN” (IPA /ɟɪˈt̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of bit in Irish?
The plural of giotán is giotáin; with the article, na giotáin means “the bits”. The genitive plural is giotán, as in faobhar na ngiotán (the edges of the bits).
Does giotán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Giotán can mean bit or little bit, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does giotán change to ghiotán or ngiotán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giotán becomes mo ghiotán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiotán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'giotán' and 'píosa'?
Both mean a piece, but 'giotán' suggests a small bit or fragment, while 'píosa' is the more general word for a piece of anything.
