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Scheming in Irish (Beartaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘beartaíocht’ also means: ingenuity · tactics

The Irish for scheming is beartaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “scheming” in Irish

Irish:
beartaíocht
English:
scheming, ingenuity, tactics
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“BAR-tee-ukht”  /ˈbʲaɾˠt̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
beartaíochta, na beartaíochta (e.g. cleasanna na beartaíochta, the tricks of scheming)

What does “beartaíocht” mean?

“Beartaíocht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

scheming
The act of plotting or devising clever plans, often in a crafty way.Also: plotting, contriving, craftiness.
2 other meanings: ingenuity or tactics
2ingenuity
Skill in thinking up clever ways of doing things.Also: resourcefulness, cleverness.
3tactics
The planning and use of manoeuvres to gain an advantage, as in a game or battle.Also: manoeuvring, strategy.

“Beartaíocht” with the article

Here is beartaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an bheartaíocht
the scheming
Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Beartaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using beartaíocht, the Irish word for scheming.

Bhí an iomarca beartaíochta ar siúl acu.
They were doing too much scheming.
Níor éirigh leis an mbeartaíocht sin.
That scheme did not succeed.
Tá beartaíocht ag teastáil chun an cluiche a bhuachan.
Tactics are needed to win the game.
Ní maith liom a chuid beartaíochta.
I don't like his scheming.
Léirigh sí beartaíocht iontach sa ghnó.
She showed great ingenuity in the business.
Is máistir beartaíochta é an polaiteoir sin.
That politician is a master of scheming.
Bhí an bheartaíocht mhíleata go maith.
The military tactics were good.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Scheming in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for scheming?

The Irish for scheming is beartaíocht (pronounced “BAR-tee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean ingenuity or tactics.

How do you pronounce beartaíocht in Irish?

Beartaíocht is said like “BAR-tee-ukht” (IPA /ˈbʲaɾˠt̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does beartaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for beartaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does beartaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Beartaíocht can mean scheming, ingenuity or tactics, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does beartaíocht change to bheartaíocht or mbeartaíocht?

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

How is 'beartaíocht' related to 'beart'?

It comes from 'beart' (deed, plan) via the verb 'beartaigh' (plan, devise), so 'beartaíocht' is the activity of devising plans or schemes.

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