Irish

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 scríobhadh é.‎

   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

References

• "éigean" in Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla, An Gúm, 1977, by Niall Ó Dónaill.