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Energy in Irish (Fuinneamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘fuinneamh’ also means: force

The Irish for energy is fuinneamh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “energy” in Irish

Irish:
fuinneamh
English:
energy, force
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“FIN-yuv”  /ˈfˠɪnʲəvˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
fuinnimh, an fhuinnimh (e.g. foinse fuinnimh, source of energy)

What does “fuinneamh” mean?

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

energy
Physical or mental strength and liveliness that lets a person act and work.Also: vigour, pep, spirit, vitality.
2 other meanings: force
2energy
Power from sources such as electricity, fuel or the sun, used for heat, light and machines; also energy in physics.Also: power, fuel energy.
3force
Force or vigour with which something is done.Also: vigour, momentum.

Other Irish words for energy: spreacadh (vigour), spionnadh (vigour)

“Fuinneamh” with the article

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

an fuinneamh
the energy
No change after an

“Fuinneamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fuinneamh, the Irish word for energy.

Foinse nua fuinnimh é.
It is a new source of energy.
Níl aon fhuinneamh ionam inniu.
I have no energy today.
Shúigh an cruinniú an fuinneamh ar fad asam.
The meeting drained all my energy.
Tá an-fhuinneamh sna páistí ar maidin.
The children have great energy in the morning.
Ba chóir dúinn fuinneamh a shábháil sa teach.
We should save energy in the house.
Tá praghas an fhuinnimh ag ardú arís.
The price of energy is rising again.
Bhí mé gan fuinneamh i ndiaidh na hoibre.
I had no energy after work.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Energy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for energy?

The Irish for energy is fuinneamh (pronounced “FIN-yuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean force.

How do you pronounce fuinneamh in Irish?

Fuinneamh is said like “FIN-yuv” (IPA /ˈfˠɪnʲəvˠ/).

Does fuinneamh have a plural?

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

Does fuinneamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fuinneamh can mean energy or force, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fuinneamh change to fhuinneamh or bhfuinneamh?

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

What is the difference between 'fuinneamh' and 'cumhacht'?

'Fuinneamh' is energy or vigour, while 'cumhacht' is power or authority, as in 'cumhacht leictreach' (electric power).

What is the adjective from 'fuinneamh'?

The adjective is 'fuinniúil', meaning energetic or vigorous, as in 'duine fuinniúil'.

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