HeyRua Get the app

Cold in Irish (Fuacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘fuacht’ also means: coldness

The Irish for cold is fuacht, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cold” in Irish

Irish:
fuacht
English:
cold, coldness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“foo-ukht”  /fˠuəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
fuachta, an fhuachta (e.g. ainneoin an fhuachta, despite the cold)

What does “fuacht” mean?

“Fuacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cold
Low temperature, or the feeling of being cold.Also: chill, coldness, cold weather.
1 other meaning: coldness
2coldness
A lack of warmth or friendliness in feeling or manner.Also: apathy, indifference, coolness.

Other Irish words for cold: fuar (cold), slaghdán (cold), fuaire (coldness)

“Fuacht” with the article

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

an fuacht
the cold
No change after an

“Fuacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fuacht, the Irish word for cold.

Tá fuacht orm.
I feel cold.
Chaith sé cóta mór in aghaidh an fhuachta.
He wore a big coat against the cold.
Bhí a fhiacla ag greadadh le fuacht.
His teeth were chattering with the cold.
Ní maith liom fuacht an gheimhridh.
I don't like the winter cold.
Fuair siad faoiseamh ón bhfuacht cois tine.
They got relief from the cold by the fire.
Bhí fuacht ina glór nuair a labhair sí.
There was coldness in her voice when she spoke.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cold in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cold?

The Irish for cold is fuacht (pronounced “foo-ukht”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean coldness.

How do you pronounce fuacht in Irish?

Fuacht is said like “foo-ukht” (IPA /fˠuəxt̪ˠ/).

Does fuacht have a plural?

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

Does fuacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fuacht can mean cold or coldness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fuacht change to fhuacht or bhfuacht?

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

How do I say 'I am cold' in Irish?

Say "Tá fuacht orm", literally 'cold is on me'. The adjective "fuar" describes things, as in "Tá an lá fuar".

Is 'fuacht' the word for a cold, the illness?

No. A cold you catch is "slaghdán", as in "Tá slaghdán orm". "Fuacht" is the coldness itself.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like fuacht through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen