HeyRuaHow to say “desire” in Irish
- Irish:
- fonn
- English:
- desire, tune, willingness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fown” /fˠuːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- foinn (desires)
- Genitive singular:
- foinn, an fhoinn (e.g. neart an fhoinn, the strength of the desire)
- Genitive plural:
- fonn, na bhfonn (e.g. cnuasach na bhfonn, the collection of tunes)
What does “fonn” mean?
“Fonn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- desire
- A wish or inclination to do something, often expressed as 'tá fonn orm' (I feel like).Also: urge, inclination, wish, mood.
“Fonn” with the article
The plural of desire in Irish is foinn. Here is fonn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fonn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fonn, the Irish word for desire.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Desire in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for desire?
The Irish for desire is fonn (pronounced “fown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is foinn. Depending on context it can also mean tune or willingness.
How do you pronounce fonn in Irish?
Fonn is said like “fown” (IPA /fˠuːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of desire in Irish?
The plural of fonn is foinn; with the article, na foinn means “the desires”. The genitive plural is fonn, as in cnuasach na bhfonn (the collection of tunes).
Does fonn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fonn can mean desire, tune or willingness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fonn change to fhonn or bhfonn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fonn becomes m'fhonn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfonn (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I feel like doing something'?
Use 'tá fonn orm' plus the verbal noun, e.g. 'Tá fonn orm damhsa' (I feel like dancing).
What does 'd'fhonn' mean?
'D'fhonn' means 'in order to', e.g. 'd'fhonn airgead a shábháil' (in order to save money).
