HeyRuaHow to say “teddy bear” in Irish
- Irish:
- béirín
- English:
- teddy bear, little bear
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAY-reen” /ˈbʲeːɾʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- béiríní (teddy bears)
- Genitive singular:
- béirín, an bhéirín (e.g. cluasa an bhéirín, the teddy bear's ears)
- Genitive plural:
- béiríní, na mbéiríní (e.g. bailiúchán na mbéiríní, the teddy bear collection)
What does “béirín” mean?
“Béirín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- teddy bear
- A soft toy in the shape of a bear.Also: teddy, toy bear, soft toy.
1 other meaning: little bear
- 2little bear
- A small or young bear; a bear cub.Also: bear cub, cub, young bear.
Other Irish words for teddy bear: teidí (teddy)
“Béirín” with the article
The plural of teddy bear in Irish is béiríní. Here is béirín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Béirín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using béirín, the Irish word for teddy bear.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Teddy bear in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for teddy bear?
The Irish for teddy bear is béirín (pronounced “BAY-reen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is béiríní. Depending on context it can also mean little bear.
How do you pronounce béirín in Irish?
Béirín is said like “BAY-reen” (IPA /ˈbʲeːɾʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of teddy bear in Irish?
The plural of béirín is béiríní; with the article, na béiríní means “the teddy bears”. The genitive plural is béiríní, as in bailiúchán na mbéiríní (the teddy bear collection).
Does béirín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Béirín can mean teddy bear or little bear, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does béirín change to bhéirín or mbéirín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) béirín becomes mo bhéirín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbéirín (eclipsis).
How is 'béirín' related to 'béar'?
'Béirín' is the diminutive of 'béar' (bear) with the suffix -ín, so it literally means 'little bear', and it is the usual word for a teddy bear.
