HeyRuaHow to say “way” in Irish
- Irish:
- bealach
- English:
- way, manner, journey, passage
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAL-uhkh” /ˈbʲalˠəx/
- Plural:
- bealaí (ways)
- Genitive singular:
- bealaigh, an bhealaigh (e.g. fios an bhealaigh, knowledge of the way)
- Genitive plural:
- bealaí, na mbealaí (e.g. léarscáil na mbealaí, map of the routes)
What does “bealach” mean?
“Bealach” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- way
- A road, path or route that leads from one place to another.Also: road, route, path, passage.
3 other meanings: manner or journey or passage
- 2manner
- The way or method in which something is done.Also: way, method, means.
- 3journey
- The course of travelling somewhere, as in being on the way.Also: way, trip.
- 4passage
- An opening or channel through which something can pass.Also: channel, passageway, thoroughfare.
Other Irish words for way: caoi (way), slí (way), treo (direction), modh (method)
“Bealach” with the article
The plural of way in Irish is bealaí. Here is bealach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bealach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bealach, the Irish word for way.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Way in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for way?
The Irish for way is bealach (pronounced “BAL-uhkh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bealaí. Depending on context it can also mean manner or journey or passage.
How do you pronounce bealach in Irish?
Bealach is said like “BAL-uhkh” (IPA /ˈbʲalˠəx/).
What is the plural of way in Irish?
The plural of bealach is bealaí; with the article, na bealaí means “the ways”. The genitive plural is bealaí, as in léarscáil na mbealaí (map of the routes).
Does bealach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bealach can mean way, manner, journey or passage, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bealach change to bhealach or mbealach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bealach becomes mo bhealach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbealach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between bealach and slí?
Both mean 'way'. Bealach is more common for a physical route or road, while slí is often used for manner or room, as in 'déan slí' (make way), though they overlap a great deal.
How do I say 'on the way'?
Use 'ar an mbealach', for example 'Táim ar an mbealach' (I'm on the way).
