The Irregular Verb - Bí

Question 1

Nílim fuar.

Answer 1

I’m not cold.

Note that the negative form is contracted form níl = ní + fhuil.

Question 2

What form of the verb is used for the past tense?

Answer 2

For statements, bhí is used.

For questions and negative statements, raibh is used (a distinct dependent form). Raibh does not mutate.

An and ní are also used instead of ar and níor.

Question 3

What form of the verb is used for the future tense?

Answer 3

Beidh is used.

Question 4

Notes about the present tense.

Answer 4

An unusual aspect of the verb to be in Irish is that it has two forms in the present tense
- a habitual present, which is used for events that happen regularly
- an immediate present, which is used for events that are occurring at the present time.

Question 5

What is the form of the verb for the immediate present?

Answer 5

Tá

Question 6

What is the form of the verb for the habitual present?

Answer 6

Bím - I am
Bíonn sé - he is/ it is
Bímid - we are
Bíonn siad - they are

Question 7

Translate
It is cold in Ireland today.

Answer 7

Tá sé fuar in Éirinn inniu.

Question 8

Translate
It is cold in Ireland in the winter.

Answer 8

Bíonn sé fuar in Éirinn sa gheimhreadh.

Question 9

Translate
I am in that house every week.

Answer 9

Bím sa teach sin gach seachtain.

Question 10

Translate
She is not at school.

Answer 10

Níl sí ar scoil.

Question 11

What is the meaning of “raibh”?

Answer 11

It is the form of the verb “ to be” in the past tense that is used for questions and negative statements.
e.g. An raibh tú? - Were you?
e.g. Ní raibh mé. - I was not. / I wasn’t.

Question 12

How do you say - Were they?

Answer 12

An raibh siad?

Question 13

How would you say - Weren’t you?

Answer 13

Nach raibh tú?