HeyRuaHow to say “crib” in Irish
- Irish:
- beithilín
- English:
- crib
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BEH-hil-een” /ˈbʲɛhəlʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- beithilíní (cribs)
- Genitive singular:
- beithilín, an bheithilín (e.g. figiúirí an bheithilín, the figures of the crib)
- Genitive plural:
- beithilíní, na mbeithilíní (e.g. taispeántas beithilíní, an exhibition of cribs)
What does “beithilín” mean?
- crib
- A model of the stable at Bethlehem with figures of the Nativity, displayed at Christmas.Also: Nativity scene, crèche, Christmas crib, manger scene.
Other Irish words for crib: cliabhán (cradle), mainséar (manger)
“Beithilín” with the article
The plural of crib in Irish is beithilíní. Here is beithilín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beithilín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beithilín, the Irish word for crib.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Crib in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for crib?
The Irish for crib is beithilín (pronounced “BEH-hil-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is beithilíní.
How do you pronounce beithilín in Irish?
Beithilín is said like “BEH-hil-een” (IPA /ˈbʲɛhəlʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of crib in Irish?
The plural of beithilín is beithilíní; with the article, na beithilíní means “the cribs”. The genitive plural is beithilíní, as in taispeántas beithilíní (an exhibition of cribs).
Why does beithilín change to bheithilín or mbeithilín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beithilín becomes mo bheithilín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeithilín (eclipsis).
Is 'beithilín' a baby's cot?
No, 'beithilín' is the Christmas crib or nativity scene, named after Bethlehem (Beithil). A baby's cot is 'cliabhán'.
