is éigean

Irish

Alternative forms

• is éigint

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈʃeːɟənˠ/

Phrase

is éigean (past and conditional b'éigean, negative ní héigean)

1. it is necessary, one must, one has to

   An éigean dul ann?

   Is it necessary to go there?

   B’éigean dom é a scríobh.

   I had to write it.

   Is éigean do mo mháthair labhairt leat.

   My mother must speak to you.

Usage notes

• The subject of English must or have to is rendered as the object of the preposition do following éigean; the verb is rendered as a verbal noun.

Synonyms

• bí ar, caithfidh

Further reading

• Ó Dónaill, Niall (1977) “éigean”, in Foclóir Gaeilge–Béarla, Dublin: An Gúm, →ISBN