HeyRuaHow to say “English” in Irish
- Irish:
- Béarla
- English:
- English, speech, language
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BAYR-luh” /ˈbʲeːɾˠl̪ˠə/
- Genitive singular:
- Béarla, an Bhéarla (e.g. múinteoir Béarla, English teacher)
What does “Béarla” mean?
“Béarla” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- English
- The English language.Also: English language.
1 other meaning: speech, language
- 2speech, language
- In older or literary use, any speech or language, especially when it is hard to understand (gibberish).Also: speech, language, jargon.
“Béarla” with the article
Here is Béarla after the article (an t-alt).
“Béarla” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Béarla, the Irish word for English.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “Béarla”
English in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for English?
The Irish for English is Béarla (pronounced “BAYR-luh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean speech, language.
How do you pronounce Béarla in Irish?
Béarla is said like “BAYR-luh” (IPA /ˈbʲeːɾˠl̪ˠə/).
Does Béarla have a plural?
No. Béarla is a name, so it is used in the singular only.
Does Béarla have more than one meaning?
Yes. Béarla can mean English or speech, language, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Béarla change to Bhéarla or mBéarla?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) Béarla becomes mo Bhéarla (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mBéarla (eclipsis).
Do I say 'i mBéarla' or 'as Béarla'?
Both are used: 'i mBéarla' is standard for 'in English', and 'as Béarla' is also common, especially in Munster and Connacht.
When does 'Béarla' take the article?
It usually appears without the article, as in 'Tá Béarla agam', but the article is used in comparisons and general statements, as in 'an Béarla agus an Ghaeilge'.
