HeyRuaHow to say “chess” in Irish
- Irish:
- ficheall
- English:
- chess, chessboard
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FI-hyul” /ˈfʲɪhəl̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- fichille, na fichille (e.g. cluiche fichille, a game of chess)
What does “ficheall” mean?
“Ficheall” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- chess
- A board game for two players in which each tries to checkmate the other's king.Also: game of chess, chess game.
1 other meaning: chessboard
- 2chessboard
- The chequered board on which chess is played (older or literary use).Also: chess board.
“Ficheall” with the article
Here is ficheall after the article (an t-alt).
“Ficheall” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ficheall, the Irish word for chess.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Chess in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for chess?
The Irish for chess is ficheall (pronounced “FI-hyul”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean chessboard.
How do you pronounce ficheall in Irish?
Ficheall is said like “FI-hyul” (IPA /ˈfʲɪhəl̪ˠ/).
Does ficheall have a plural?
No plural form is given for ficheall in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does ficheall have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ficheall can mean chess or chessboard, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ficheall change to fhicheall or bhficheall?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ficheall becomes m'fhicheall (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhficheall (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to play chess' in Irish?
Use the verb imir: ficheall a imirt, for example 'Imrím ficheall gach Satharn'.
What is the Irish for draughts or checkers?
Draughts is táiplis, often táiplis bheag, while chess is ficheall.
