HeyRuaHow to say “emptying” in Irish
- Irish:
- folmhú
- English:
- emptying, evacuation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- folmhaigh, to empty (ag folmhú, emptying)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “FUL-oo” /ˈfˠɔlˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- folmhaithe, an fholmhaithe (e.g. am folmhaithe na mboscaí bruscair, time for emptying the bins)
What does “folmhú” mean?
“Folmhú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- emptying
- The act of emptying something; the verbal noun of the verb folmhaigh, to empty.Also: empty, draining, clearing out.
1 other meaning: evacuation
- 2evacuation
- The emptying of the bowels or bladder; also depletion, the using up of a supply.Also: voiding, discharge, depletion.
“Folmhú” as a verbal noun
After ag, folmhú means emptying: it is the verbal noun of the verb folmhaigh (to empty). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Folmhú” with the article
Here is folmhú after the article (an t-alt).
“Folmhú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using folmhú, the Irish word for emptying.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Emptying in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for emptying?
The Irish for emptying is folmhú (pronounced “FUL-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean evacuation.
How do you pronounce folmhú in Irish?
Folmhú is said like “FUL-oo” (IPA /ˈfˠɔlˠuː/).
Does folmhú have a plural?
No plural form is given for folmhú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does folmhú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Folmhú can mean emptying or evacuation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does folmhú change to fholmhú or bhfolmhú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) folmhú becomes m'fholmhú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfolmhú (eclipsis).
How do I say 'emptying' in a sentence with an object?
Use ag folmhú with the object in the genitive, e.g. ag folmhú an bhosca, 'emptying the box'.
Is folmhú used for evacuating people from a building?
Not usually: the evacuation of people is aslonnú, e.g. aslonnú na scoile. Folmhú is the emptying of a container, room or the bowels.
