Chirp in Irish (Bíog): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for chirp?

The Irish for chirp is bíog (pronounced “bee-ug”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bíoga. Depending on context it can also mean start.

Q: What is the plural of chirp in Irish?

The plural of bíog is bíoga; with the article, na bíoga means “the chirps”. The genitive plural is bíog, as in macalla na mbíog (the echo of the chirps).

Q: Does bíog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bíog can mean chirp or start, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chirp” in Irish

Irish:: bíog
English:: chirp, start
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “bee-ug” /bʲiːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: bíoga (chirps)
Genitive singular:: bíge, na bíge (e.g. macalla na bíge, the echo of the chirp)
Genitive plural:: bíog, na mbíog (e.g. macalla na mbíog, the echo of the chirps)

What does “bíog” mean?

“Bíog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

chirp: A short, high-pitched sound, such as a small bird or chick makes.Also: cheep, squeak, peep.

1 other meaning: start

2start: A sudden jump or jerk of the body caused by surprise or fright.Also: jump, jerk, twitch, sudden movement.

Other Irish words for chirp: gíog (cheep)

“Bíog” with the article

The plural of chirp in Irish is bíoga. Here is bíog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhíog

the chirp

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bíoga

the chirps

Plural: no change after na

“Bíog” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bíog, the Irish word for chirp.

Chuala mé bíog ón nead.

I heard a chirp from the nest.

Bhain an torann bíog asam.

The noise made me jump.

Ní raibh bíog as an leanbh ar feadh na hoíche.

There wasn't a peep out of the baby all night.

Thug sé bíog nuair a chonaic sé an luch.

He gave a start when he saw the mouse.

Bhí bíoga beaga ag teacht ó na héin.

Little chirps were coming from the birds.

Níor chuala mé an bhíog ar dtús.

I didn't hear the chirp at first.

Lig an sicín bíog bheag.

The chick let out a little cheep.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Chirp in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chirp?

The Irish for chirp is bíog (pronounced “bee-ug”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bíoga. Depending on context it can also mean start.

How do you pronounce bíog in Irish?

Bíog is said like “bee-ug” (IPA /bʲiːɡ/).

What is the plural of chirp in Irish?

The plural of bíog is bíoga; with the article, na bíoga means “the chirps”. The genitive plural is bíog, as in macalla na mbíog (the echo of the chirps).

Does bíog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bíog can mean chirp or start, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bíog change to bhíog or mbíog?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bíog becomes mo bhíog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbíog (eclipsis).

What does 'níl bíog as' mean?

'Níl bíog as' means there isn't a peep or sound out of him, used of someone completely silent.

How is 'bíog' different from 'geit'?

Both can mean a start of fright, but 'bíog' also means a chirp or squeak, while 'geit' is mainly a fright or jump.

Chirp in Irish (Bíog): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage