HeyRuaHow to say “feeding” in Irish
- Irish:
- biathú
- English:
- feeding, baiting
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- biathaigh, to feed (ag biathú, feeding)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BEE-uh-hoo” /bʲiəhuː/
- Genitive singular:
- biathaithe, an bhiathaithe (e.g. am an bhiathaithe, feeding time)
What does “biathú” mean?
“Biathú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- feeding
- The act of giving food to a person or animal; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'beathaigh' (biathaigh).Also: nourishing, fattening, foddering.
1 other meaning: baiting
- 2baiting
- Putting bait on a hook or line, or scattering bait to attract fish.Also: bait, ground-baiting.
Other Irish words for feeding: beathú (feeding)
“Biathú” as a verbal noun
After ag, biathú means feeding: it is the verbal noun of the verb biathaigh (to feed). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Biathú” with the article
Here is biathú after the article (an t-alt).
“Biathú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using biathú, the Irish word for feeding.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Feeding in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for feeding?
The Irish for feeding is biathú (pronounced “BEE-uh-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean baiting.
How do you pronounce biathú in Irish?
Biathú is said like “BEE-uh-hoo” (IPA /bʲiəhuː/).
Does biathú have a plural?
No plural form is given for biathú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does biathú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Biathú can mean feeding or baiting, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does biathú change to bhiathú or mbiathú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) biathú becomes mo bhiathú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbiathú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'biathú' and 'beathú'?
They are variants of the same verbal noun meaning feeding; 'beathú' is the main standard form, while 'biathú' is a common spoken and dialect variant.
