Edge in Irish (Faobhar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for edge?

The Irish for edge is faobhar (pronounced “FEE-wur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is faobhair. Depending on context it can also mean keenness or blade.

Q: What is the plural of edge in Irish?

The plural of faobhar is faobhair; with the article, na faobhair means “the edges”. The genitive plural is faobhar, as in géire na bhfaobhar (the sharpness of the edges).

Q: Does faobhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Faobhar can mean edge, keenness or blade, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “edge” in Irish

Irish:: faobhar
English:: edge, keenness, blade
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “FEE-wur” /ˈfˠiːwəɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: faobhair (edges)
Genitive singular:: faobhair, an fhaobhair (e.g. géire an fhaobhair, the sharpness of the edge)
Genitive plural:: faobhar, na bhfaobhar (e.g. géire na bhfaobhar, the sharpness of the edges)

What does “faobhar” mean?

“Faobhar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

edge: The sharp cutting edge of a blade or tool.Also: sharp edge, cutting edge, blade edge.

2 other meanings: keenness or blade

2keenness: Sharpness or keenness in a figurative sense, such as of appetite, wit or eagerness.Also: sharpness, edge, eagerness.
3blade: A sharp-edged weapon or instrument, such as a sword or blade.Also: sword, weapon.

Other Irish words for edge: imeall (edge), ciumhais (edge), colbha (edge)

“Faobhar” with the article

The plural of edge in Irish is faobhair. Here is faobhar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an faobhar

the edge

No change after an

na faobhair

the edges

Plural: no change after na

“Faobhar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using faobhar, the Irish word for edge.

Tá faobhar maith ar an scian seo.

This knife has a good edge.

Chuir sé faobhar ar an speal.

He sharpened the scythe.

Bhí an faobhar imithe den tua.

The axe had lost its edge.

Gearr leis an bhfaobhar é, ní leis an gcúl.

Cut it with the edge, not the back.

Tá faobhar ar mo ghoile inniu.

I have a keen appetite today.

Bhí faobhar ar a teanga i gcónaí.

She always had a sharp tongue.

Other nouns in Irish

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Edge in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for edge?

The Irish for edge is faobhar (pronounced “FEE-wur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is faobhair. Depending on context it can also mean keenness or blade.

How do you pronounce faobhar in Irish?

Faobhar is said like “FEE-wur” (IPA /ˈfˠiːwəɾˠ/).

What is the plural of edge in Irish?

The plural of faobhar is faobhair; with the article, na faobhair means “the edges”. The genitive plural is faobhar, as in géire na bhfaobhar (the sharpness of the edges).

Does faobhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Faobhar can mean edge, keenness or blade, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does faobhar change to fhaobhar or bhfaobhar?

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

How do I say 'to sharpen' with faobhar?

Use 'faobhar a chur ar rud', for example 'chuir mé faobhar ar an scian', or the verb 'faobhraigh'.

What does 'cúl le faobhar' mean?

Literally 'back to edge', it means back to back or at cross purposes, as in 'tá siad cúl le faobhar'.

Edge in Irish (Faobhar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage