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Coldness in Irish (Fuaire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘fuaire’ also means: coolness

The Irish for coldness is fuaire, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “coldness” in Irish

Irish:
fuaire
English:
coldness, coolness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“FOO-ir-uh”  /ˈfˠuəɾʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
fuaire, na fuaire (e.g. de bharr na fuaire, because of the coldness)

What does “fuaire” mean?

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

coldness
The state of being cold, in temperature.Also: cold, chill, chilliness.
1 other meaning: coolness
2coolness
A lack of warmth or friendliness in a person's manner.Also: coldness, aloofness, indifference.

“Fuaire” with the article

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

an fhuaire
the coldness
Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Fuaire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fuaire, the Irish word for coldness.

Bhí fuaire san aer ar maidin.
There was a chill in the air this morning.
Níor thaitin fuaire an uisce liom.
I didn't like the coldness of the water.
Mhothaigh mé an fhuaire i mo chnámha.
I felt the cold in my bones.
Chuir an fhuaire a lámha ag crith.
The cold made his hands shake.
Bhí fuaire ina glór nuair a labhair sí.
There was coldness in her voice when she spoke.
Thug sé faoi deara fuaire na fáilte.
He noticed how cool the welcome was.
Ní raibh siad in ann cur suas leis an bhfuaire.
They couldn't put up with the cold.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Coldness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for coldness?

The Irish for coldness is fuaire (pronounced “FOO-ir-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean coolness.

How do you pronounce fuaire in Irish?

Fuaire is said like “FOO-ir-uh” (IPA /ˈfˠuəɾʲə/).

Does fuaire have a plural?

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

Does fuaire have more than one meaning?

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

Why does fuaire change to fhuaire or bhfuaire?

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

What is the difference between 'fuaire' and 'fuacht'?

'Fuacht' is the usual word for cold, as in 'Tá fuacht orm' (I am cold). 'Fuaire' is the abstract noun from 'fuar', meaning coldness or coolness, often of things or of manner, as in 'fuaire an uisce'.

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