HeyRuaHow to say “butterfly” in Irish
- Irish:
- féileacán
- English:
- butterfly, bow tie
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAY-luh-kawn” /ˈfʲeːlʲəkaːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- féileacáin (butterflies)
- Genitive singular:
- féileacáin, an fhéileacáin (e.g. sciatháin an fhéileacáin, the butterfly's wings)
- Genitive plural:
- féileacán, na bhféileacán (e.g. saol na bhféileacán, the life of butterflies)
What does “féileacán” mean?
“Féileacán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- butterfly
- A flying insect with large, often brightly coloured wings.Also: moth.
1 other meaning: bow tie
- 2bow tie
- A necktie tied in a bow shape, also called 'carbhat féileacáin'.Also: bow.
“Féileacán” with the article
The plural of butterfly in Irish is féileacáin. Here is féileacán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Féileacán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using féileacán, the Irish word for butterfly.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Butterfly in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for butterfly?
The Irish for butterfly is féileacán (pronounced “FAY-luh-kawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is féileacáin. Depending on context it can also mean bow tie.
How do you pronounce féileacán in Irish?
Féileacán is said like “FAY-luh-kawn” (IPA /ˈfʲeːlʲəkaːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of butterfly in Irish?
The plural of féileacán is féileacáin; with the article, na féileacáin means “the butterflies”. The genitive plural is féileacán, as in saol na bhféileacán (the life of butterflies).
Does féileacán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Féileacán can mean butterfly or bow tie, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does féileacán change to fhéileacán or bhféileacán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) féileacán becomes m'fhéileacán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhféileacán (eclipsis).
What is the Irish for 'moth'?
A moth is 'leamhan', or descriptively 'féileacán oíche' (night butterfly).
Can I say 'butterflies in my stomach' in Irish?
Yes, 'tá féileacáin i mo bholg' is used for nerves, though 'tá néaróga orm' is also common.
