HeyRuaHow to say “good manners” in Irish
- Irish:
- dea-bhéas
- English:
- good manners, good habit
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “dya-VAYSS” /ˌdʲaˈvʲeːsˠ/
- Plural:
- dea-bhéasa (good manners)
- Genitive singular:
- dea-bhéasa, an dea-bhéasa (e.g. sampla dea-bhéasa, an example of good manners)
- Genitive plural:
- dea-bhéas, na ndea-bhéas (e.g. easpa na ndea-bhéas, the lack of good manners)
What does “dea-bhéas” mean?
“Dea-bhéas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- good manners
- Polite and proper behaviour towards other people, usually used in the plural.Also: politeness, courtesy, manners, etiquette.
1 other meaning: good habit
- 2good habit
- A good custom or practice that a person has.Also: good practice, good custom.
Other Irish words for good manners: dea-bhéasaíocht (good manners), dea-mhúineadh (good manners)
“Dea-bhéas” with the article
The plural of good manners in Irish is dea-bhéasa. Here is dea-bhéas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dea-bhéas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dea-bhéas, the Irish word for good manners.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Good manners in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for good manners?
The Irish for good manners is dea-bhéas (pronounced “dya-VAYSS”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dea-bhéasa. Depending on context it can also mean good habit.
How do you pronounce dea-bhéas in Irish?
Dea-bhéas is said like “dya-VAYSS” (IPA /ˌdʲaˈvʲeːsˠ/).
What is the plural of good manners in Irish?
The plural of dea-bhéas is dea-bhéasa; with the article, na dea-bhéasa means “the good manners”. The genitive plural is dea-bhéas, as in easpa na ndea-bhéas (the lack of good manners).
Does dea-bhéas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dea-bhéas can mean good manners or good habit, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dea-bhéas change to dhea-bhéas or ndea-bhéas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dea-bhéas becomes mo dhea-bhéas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndea-bhéas (eclipsis).
How is dea-bhéasa different from béasa?
Béasa alone means manners or customs, good or bad, while dea-bhéasa specifically means good manners; the opposite is drochbhéasa.
Is there another common way to say someone is well-mannered?
Yes, you often hear tá múineadh air, or the adjective múinte, as in duine múinte, a polite person.
