Pelt in Irish (Bian): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for pelt?

The Irish for pelt is bian (pronounced “bee-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is biain. Depending on context it can also mean fur.

Q: What is the plural of pelt in Irish?

The plural of bian is biain; with the article, na biain means “the pelts”. The genitive plural is bian, as in trádáil na mbian (the trade in pelts).

Q: Does bian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bian can mean pelt or fur, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “pelt” in Irish

Irish:: bian
English:: pelt, fur
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “bee-un” /bʲiən̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: biain (pelts)
Genitive singular:: biain, an bhiain (e.g. dath an bhiain, the colour of the pelt)
Genitive plural:: bian, na mbian (e.g. trádáil na mbian, the trade in pelts)

What does “bian” mean?

“Bian” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

pelt: The skin of an animal with the fur or hair still on it.Also: hide, skin, fur.

1 other meaning: fur

2fur: Animal fur used as material, for example in clothing.Also: fur skin.

“Bian” with the article

The plural of pelt in Irish is biain. Here is bian after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bian

the pelt

No change after an

na biain

the pelts

Plural: no change after na

“Bian” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bian, the Irish word for pelt.

Bhí bian an mhadra rua an-bhog.

The fox's pelt was very soft.

Dhíol an sealgaire na biain ar an margadh.

The hunter sold the pelts at the market.

Is maith liom dath an bhiain sin.

I like the colour of that fur.

Bhain sé an bian den choinín.

He skinned the rabbit.

Tá cóta déanta as bian aici.

She has a coat made of fur.

Bhí an bian crochta ar an mballa.

The pelt was hanging on the wall.

Cuireadh cosc ar thrádáil bian sa tír.

The fur trade was banned in the country.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cáscase roinndepartment ceantararea leathhalf aoisage úsáiduse

Pelt in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pelt?

The Irish for pelt is bian (pronounced “bee-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is biain. Depending on context it can also mean fur.

How do you pronounce bian in Irish?

Bian is said like “bee-un” (IPA /bʲiən̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of pelt in Irish?

The plural of bian is biain; with the article, na biain means “the pelts”. The genitive plural is bian, as in trádáil na mbian (the trade in pelts).

Does bian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bian can mean pelt or fur, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bian change to bhian or mbian?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bian becomes mo bhian (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbian (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'bian' and 'fionnadh'?

'Fionnadh' is the hair or fur growing on a living animal, while 'bian' is the pelt, the skin with the fur on it, especially once removed.

Is 'bian' related to the verb in 'Bhain mé sult as'?

No. 'Bhain' is the past tense of 'bain' (take, get); it sounds similar but has nothing to do with the noun 'bian'.

Pelt in Irish (Bian): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage