HeyRuaHow to say “living being” in Irish
- Irish:
- beo
- English:
- living being, life, quick of the nail, livelihood
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “byoh” /bʲoː/
- Plural:
- beo
- Genitive singular:
- beo, an bheo (e.g. tír an bheo, the land of the living)
- Genitive plural:
- beo, na mbeo (e.g. saol na mbeo, the world of the living)
What does “beo” mean?
“Beo” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- living being
- A living person or creature; in the plural, 'na beo' means the living, as opposed to the dead.Also: living thing, the living, living person.
3 other meanings: life or quick of the nail or livelihood
- 2life
- Life itself, as in the phrases 'ar an mbeo' (on earth, at all) and 'lena bheo' (during his lifetime).Also: lifetime, existence.
- 3quick of the nail
- The sensitive living flesh under a nail or skin, which hurts when touched.Also: quick, sensitive flesh, raw flesh, sore spot.
- 4livelihood
- The means by which a person makes a living.Also: living, sustenance.
“Beo” with the article
The plural of living being in Irish is beo. Here is beo after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Beo” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using beo, the Irish word for living being.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Living being in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for living being?
The Irish for living being is beo (pronounced “byoh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is beo. Depending on context it can also mean life or quick of the nail or livelihood.
How do you pronounce beo in Irish?
Beo is said like “byoh” (IPA /bʲoː/).
What is the plural of living being in Irish?
The plural of beo is beo; with the article, it is na beo. The genitive plural is beo, as in saol na mbeo (the world of the living).
Does beo have more than one meaning?
Yes. Beo can mean living being, life, quick of the nail or livelihood, depending on context; the first is the most common. Beo also has its own entry as an adjective meaning alive.
Why does beo change to bheo or mbeo?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) beo becomes mo bheo (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbeo (eclipsis).
What does 'na beo agus na mairbh' mean?
It means 'the living and the dead', with 'beo' used as a noun for the people who are alive.
How do I say 'cut to the quick' in Irish?
You can say 'ghoill sé orm go dtí an beo', using 'beo' as the noun for the sensitive quick.
