básaithe
/ˈbˠɑːsˠiː/
The Irish word for deceased is básaithe. Wiktionary also lists ar shlí na fírinne.
Meaning: no longer alive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA |
|---|---|
| básaithe | /ˈbˠɑːsˠiː/ (Aran) |
| ar shlí na fírinne |
The adjective básaithe describes someone who is no longer alive. You can use Marbh, which means "dead" or "deceased". In figurative speech, the phrase Tá siad imithe means "they're gone" and is used to refer to someone who has passed away.
Which one should you use?
básaithe is a direct way to say deceased, whereas ar shlí na fírinne is a common euphemism used to refer to the deceased or the state of being dead. Literally, ar shlí na fírinne translates to "on the way of truth".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbˠɑːsˠiː/
Did you know?
- The word ar is so versatile that it can actually be traced back to a verbal noun in Old Irish meaning 'ploughing'.
- While básaithe is the formal term for deceased, the more common word marbh for 'dead' is used in many everyday idioms, including phrases describing someone who is exhausted or terrified.
Examples in context
- D'éag MáireMáire has passed away.
- Tá an t-amhránaí básaithe.The singer is deceased.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a family tree.
- CathalCé hé seo sa seandearcanach, a Saoirse?Who is this in the old photo, Saoirse?
- SaoirseIs é sin mo sheanathair básaithe é.That is my deceased grandfather.
- CathalBa mhaith liom an scéal a chloisteáil.I would like to hear the story.
- SaoirseBa dhuine iontach é, a Chathail.He was a wonderful person, Cathal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deceased” translations and entries básaithe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ar, fírinne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
