HeyRuaHow to say “food” in Irish
- Irish:
- bia
- English:
- food, substance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bee-uh” /bʲiə/
- Plural:
- bianna
- Genitive singular:
- bia, an bhia (e.g. praghas an bhia, the price of the food)
- Genitive plural:
- bianna, na mbianna (e.g. liosta na mbianna, the list of foods)
What does “bia” mean?
“Bia” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- food
- Anything that people or animals eat to stay alive and healthy.Also: meal, nourishment, fare, grub.
1 other meaning: substance
- 2substance
- The inner, edible or essential part of something, such as the kernel of a nut or the flesh of a fruit; figuratively, real substance or worth.Also: kernel, flesh, pith.
“Bia” with the article
The plural of food in Irish is bianna. Here is bia after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bia” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bia, the Irish word for food.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Food in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for food?
The Irish for food is bia (pronounced “bee-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bianna. Depending on context it can also mean substance.
How do you pronounce bia in Irish?
Bia is said like “bee-uh” (IPA /bʲiə/).
What is the plural of food in Irish?
The plural of bia is bianna; with the article, it is na bianna. The genitive plural is bianna, as in liosta na mbianna (the list of foods).
Does bia have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bia can mean food or substance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bia change to bhia or mbia?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bia becomes mo bhia (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbia (eclipsis).
How do I say 'a bite to eat' in Irish?
Say 'greim bia', for example 'Ar mhaith leat greim bia?' (Would you like a bite to eat?).
What is the difference between 'bia' and 'béile'?
'Bia' is food in general, while 'béile' is a meal, a particular occasion of eating such as dinner.
