Irish Translation Forum

Someone I know has a tatoo and refuses to tell anyone what it means. I am the most curious person ever (ok, not quite ever but at least that I know) and really want to know what it means. I have spent an hour of intense search on google and was unable to find a direct one word translation. I am wondering the english meaning of the word bhfuil. Thank you very much for your time.

as far as i know, its the present tense of the english 'to be.' the verb being 'bí.' its one of the irregulars. don't quote me, i'm really not sure if my sources are correct.

Thanks. I dont really understand why someone would tatoo that on themselves...hmmmm. If someone would like to confirm or revise JonO's translation I would really appreciate it.

You're sure it's only that one word?

He's right, it's just a form of the verb "to be." It's pronounced sort of like "whill."

Abigeál

Yes it is just that one word. A girl (and her sister) that I know have it tatooed on their foot. It's some sister bond thingy... I guess there must be some meaning that I cant understand just from knowing the meaning of the word. Maybe someone has an idea...cause if you dont then I am stumped.

yah, that's kind of an odd thing to get inked on yourself...

By itself, it really doesn't mean anything at all. It is a form of the verb "be," but it can't stand alone...it's used to ask questions, and needs to be conbined with an interrogative particle:

An bhfuil...? "is it...?

Nach bhfuil...? "Isn't it...?

Ca bhfuil...? "where is...?

Etc.

Redwolf

I think people here are right.
Fuil is the dependent form of the present tense of the ver "to be" so it must come with a word, an or some other.

percy19weasley wrote:I think people here are right.
Fuil is the dependent form of the present tense of the ver "to be" so it must come with a word, an or some other.

Right

Dependent form of the present tense of the verb "bí" - just like raibh is the dependent form of the past tense