HeyRuaHow to say “caution” in Irish
- Irish:
- fainic
- English:
- caution
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “FAN-ik” /ˈfanʲɪc/
- Plural:
- fainicí (cautions)
- Genitive singular:
- fainice, na fainice (e.g. focal fainice, a word of warning)
- Genitive plural:
- fainicí, na bhfainicí (e.g. liosta na bhfainicí, the list of warnings)
What does “fainic” mean?
- caution
- A warning or caution given to someone to be careful or to avoid something.Also: warning, admonition, beware.
Other Irish words for caution: faichill (care), foláireamh (warning)
“Fainic” with the article
The plural of caution in Irish is fainicí. Here is fainic after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fainic” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fainic, the Irish word for caution.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Caution in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for caution?
The Irish for caution is fainic (pronounced “FAN-ik”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fainicí.
How do you pronounce fainic in Irish?
Fainic is said like “FAN-ik” (IPA /ˈfanʲɪc/).
What is the plural of caution in Irish?
The plural of fainic is fainicí; with the article, na fainicí means “the cautions”. The genitive plural is fainicí, as in liosta na bhfainicí (the list of warnings).
Why does fainic change to fhainic or bhfainic?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fainic becomes m'fhainic (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfainic (eclipsis).
How is 'fainic' used as an exclamation?
It is used on its own like a verb to mean 'beware': 'Fainic!' or 'Fainic thú féin!', with the plural 'Fainicigí!' when speaking to several people.
What is the difference between 'fainic' and 'rabhadh'?
'Rabhadh' is the general word for a warning or alarm, while 'fainic' is a more personal caution, often in 'cuir fainic ar dhuine', to warn someone.
