HeyRuaHow to say “vice” in Irish
- Irish:
- bís
- English:
- vice, screw, spiral
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “beesh” /bʲiːʃ/
- Plural:
- bíseanna (vices)
- Genitive singular:
- bíse, na bíse (e.g. giallaí na bíse, the jaws of the vice)
- Genitive plural:
- bíseanna, na mbíseanna (e.g. giallaí na mbíseanna, the jaws of the vices)
What does “bís” mean?
“Bís” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- vice
- A tool with two jaws that holds a piece of work firmly while you cut, file or shape it.Also: vise, clamp, bench vice.
2 other meanings: screw or spiral
- 2screw
- A screw or spiral thread, as in a screw that tightens or holds something.Also: spiral, thread, screw thread.
- 3spiral
- A spiral shape or coil, as in a winding staircase.Also: coil, helix.
Other Irish words for vice: drochbhéas (bad habit)
“Bís” with the article
The plural of vice in Irish is bíseanna. Here is bís after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bís” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bís, the Irish word for vice.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Vice in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for vice?
The Irish for vice is bís (pronounced “beesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bíseanna. Depending on context it can also mean screw or spiral.
How do you pronounce bís in Irish?
Bís is said like “beesh” (IPA /bʲiːʃ/).
What is the plural of vice in Irish?
The plural of bís is bíseanna; with the article, na bíseanna means “the vices”. The genitive plural is bíseanna, as in giallaí na mbíseanna (the jaws of the vices).
Does bís have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bís can mean vice, screw or spiral, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bís change to bhís or mbís?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bís becomes mo bhís (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbís (eclipsis).
Is 'bís' the word for vice in the sense of a bad habit?
No, 'bís' is only the tool or a screw; a moral vice is 'duáilce'.
How do you say spiral staircase?
Use 'staighre bíse', literally a staircase of a screw.
