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Blink in Irish (Faiteadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for blink is faiteadh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “blink” in Irish

Irish:
faiteadh
English:
blink
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“FAH-tyuh”  /ˈfˠatʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
faitidh, an fhaitidh (e.g. luas an fhaitidh, the speed of the blink)

What does “faiteadh” mean?

blink
A quick closing and opening of the eyes; a blink or wink.Also: blinking, wink, twinkling.

“Faiteadh” with the article

Here is faiteadh after the article (an t-alt).

an faiteadh
the blink
No change after an

“Faiteadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using faiteadh, the Irish word for blink.

Bhí sé imithe i bhfaiteadh na súl.
He was gone in the twinkling of an eye.
Tharla sé ar fad i bhfaiteadh na súl.
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
Ní dhearna sí faiteadh fiú.
She didn't even blink.
Bhí sé ag faiteadh na súl sa ghrian.
He was blinking in the sun.
Is gluaiseacht nádúrtha é faiteadh súl.
Blinking is a natural movement.
Chríochnaigh an rás i bhfaiteadh.
The race was over in a flash.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Blink in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for blink?

The Irish for blink is faiteadh (pronounced “FAH-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun.

How do you pronounce faiteadh in Irish?

Faiteadh is said like “FAH-tyuh” (IPA /ˈfˠatʲə/).

Does faiteadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for faiteadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does faiteadh change to fhaiteadh or bhfaiteadh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) faiteadh becomes m'fhaiteadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfaiteadh (eclipsis).

How do I say 'in the blink of an eye' in Irish?

The set phrase is 'i bhfaiteadh na súl', literally 'in the blink of the eye'. 'I bpreabadh na súl' is also heard.

Is 'faiteadh' the same as 'sméideadh'?

'Faiteadh' is mainly a blink of the eyes, while 'sméideadh' is a deliberate wink or nod as a signal.

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