Spirits in Irish (Biotáille): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for spirits?

The Irish for spirits is biotáille (pronounced “BIT-aw-lyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is biotáillí. Depending on context it can also mean whiskey.

Q: What is the plural of spirits in Irish?

The plural of biotáille is biotáillí; with the article, na biotáillí means “the spirits”. The genitive plural is biotáillí, as in praghas na mbiotáillí (the price of the spirits).

Q: Does biotáille have more than one meaning?

Yes. Biotáille can mean spirits or whiskey, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “spirits” in Irish

Irish:: biotáille
English:: spirits, whiskey
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “BIT-aw-lyuh” /ˈbʲɪt̪ˠɑːlʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: biotáillí (spirits)
Genitive singular:: biotáille, na biotáille (e.g. buidéal biotáille, a bottle of spirits)
Genitive plural:: biotáillí, na mbiotáillí (e.g. praghas na mbiotáillí, the price of the spirits)

What does “biotáille” mean?

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

spirits: Strong distilled alcoholic drink such as whiskey, gin or vodka.Also: strong drink, liquor, spirit, hard liquor.

1 other meaning: whiskey

2whiskey: In some areas, whiskey in particular, as the typical strong drink.Also: whisky.

“Biotáille” with the article

The plural of spirits in Irish is biotáillí. Here is biotáille after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhiotáille

the spirits

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na biotáillí

the spirits

Plural: no change after na

“Biotáille” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using biotáille, the Irish word for spirits.

Ní ólann sé biotáille ar chor ar bith.

He doesn't drink spirits at all.

Tá an bhiotáille an-daor sa tír seo.

Spirits are very expensive in this country.

Cheannaigh sí buidéal biotáille don chóisir.

She bought a bottle of spirits for the party.

Díoltar biotáillí agus fíonta sa siopa sin.

Spirits and wines are sold in that shop.

Chuir mé braon biotáille i mo thae.

I put a drop of spirits in my tea.

Tá cáin ard ar bhiotáille in Éirinn.

There is a high tax on spirits in Ireland.

Bhí boladh na biotáille ar a anáil.

There was a smell of spirits on his breath.

Other nouns in Irish

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Spirits in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spirits?

The Irish for spirits is biotáille (pronounced “BIT-aw-lyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is biotáillí. Depending on context it can also mean whiskey.

How do you pronounce biotáille in Irish?

Biotáille is said like “BIT-aw-lyuh” (IPA /ˈbʲɪt̪ˠɑːlʲə/).

What is the plural of spirits in Irish?

The plural of biotáille is biotáillí; with the article, na biotáillí means “the spirits”. The genitive plural is biotáillí, as in praghas na mbiotáillí (the price of the spirits).

Does biotáille have more than one meaning?

Yes. Biotáille can mean spirits or whiskey, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does biotáille change to bhiotáille or mbiotáille?

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

Does biotáille mean 'spirit' in the religious sense?

No, biotáille is alcoholic spirits; a soul or ghost is spiorad or taibhse, and the Holy Spirit is an Spiorad Naomh.

What is the difference between biotáille and fuisce?

Biotáille is the general word for strong drink, while fuisce is specifically whiskey.

Spirits in Irish (Biotáille): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage