beathach
/ˈb̥ehəx/
The Gaelic word for animal is beathach.
beathach is used to refer to any organism that is not a human.
Meaning: organism other than human (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥ehəx/
Did you know?
- In Gaelic folklore, the line between a beathach and a human is often blurred through the concept of shapeshifters, such as the 'selkie' who transitions between seal and human form.
- The word beathach shares an ancient root with the English word 'beast', though they evolved through different linguistic paths across the Celtic and Germanic branches.
- The word beathach is built directly from the root word for 'life', meaning an animal is literally a 'living thing'.
Examples in context
- Tha an beathach seo gu math mòr.This animal is very big.
- Is e beathach e.It is an animal.
Example conversation
Callum and Isla are visiting a farm.
- CallumNach eil an beathach seo beag?Isn't this animal small?
- IslaTha, is e beathach òg a th' ann.Yes, it is a young animal.
- CallumCò an beathach as fheàrr leat?Which animal do you like best?
- IslaIs toil leam an beathach sin.I like that animal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry beathach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beathach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
