HeyRuaHow to say “feeding” in Irish
- Irish:
- beathú
- English:
- feeding, rearing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- beathaigh, to feed (ag beathú, feeding)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “BAH-hoo” /bʲahuː/
- Genitive singular:
- beathaithe, an bheathaithe (e.g. am beathaithe, feeding time)
What does “beathú” mean?
“Beathú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- feeding
- The verbal noun of the verb 'beathaigh', the act of feeding or nourishing a person or animal.Also: nourishing, nourishment, sustenance.
1 other meaning: rearing
- 2rearing
- The act of rearing or bringing up animals or children by providing food for them.Also: raising, fattening.
“Beathú” as a verbal noun
After ag, beathú means feeding: it is the verbal noun of the verb beathaigh (to feed). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Beathú” with the article
Here is beathú after the article (an t-alt).
“Beathú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beathú, 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 beathú (pronounced “BAH-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean rearing.
How do you pronounce beathú in Irish?
Beathú is said like “BAH-hoo” (IPA /bʲahuː/).
Does beathú have a plural?
No plural form is given for beathú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does beathú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beathú can mean feeding or rearing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does beathú change to bheathú or mbeathú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beathú becomes mo bheathú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeathú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'beathú' and 'beatha'?
'Beathú' is the act of feeding (ag beathú na mbó, feeding the cows), while 'beatha' means life or food itself, as in 'beatha agus sláinte'.
