Evidence in Irish (Fianaise): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for evidence?

The Irish for evidence is fianaise (pronounced “FEE-uh-nish-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fianaisí. Depending on context it can also mean testimony or presence.

Q: What is the plural of evidence in Irish?

The plural of fianaise is fianaisí; with the article, it is na fianaisí. The genitive plural is fianaisí, as in meáchan na bhfianaisí (the weight of the evidence).

Q: Does fianaise have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fianaise can mean evidence, testimony or presence, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “evidence” in Irish

Irish:: fianaise
English:: evidence, testimony, presence
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FEE-uh-nish-uh” /ˈfʲiənˠəʃə/

Various forms

Plural:: fianaisí
Genitive singular:: fianaise, na fianaise (e.g. easpa fianaise, lack of evidence)
Genitive plural:: fianaisí, na bhfianaisí (e.g. meáchan na bhfianaisí, the weight of the evidence)

What does “fianaise” mean?

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

evidence: Facts, statements or objects that show something is true, especially in a court case.Also: proof, testimony.

2 other meanings: testimony or presence

2testimony: The statement a witness gives, especially in court.Also: witness statement, deposition.
3presence: Being in front of or in the sight of someone, used in the phrase i bhfianaise.Also: in the presence of, in the light of.

Other Irish words for evidence: cruthúnas (proof)

“Fianaise” with the article

The plural of evidence in Irish is fianaisí. Here is fianaise after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhianaise

the evidence

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fianaisí

the evidence (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Fianaise” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fianaise, the Irish word for evidence.

Níl aon fhianaise ann go raibh sé ann.

There is no evidence that he was there.

Thug sí fianaise sa chúirt inné.

She gave evidence in court yesterday.

Scaoileadh saor é de bharr easpa fianaise.

He was released due to lack of evidence.

Bhí an fhianaise in aghaidh an fhir.

The evidence was against the man.

Phós siad i bhfianaise a muintire.

They married in front of their families.

I bhfianaise an mhéid sin, ní féidir linn leanúint ar aghaidh.

In light of that, we cannot continue.

Bhí na fianaisí ag teacht salach ar a chéile.

The testimonies contradicted each other.

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Evidence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for evidence?

The Irish for evidence is fianaise (pronounced “FEE-uh-nish-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fianaisí. Depending on context it can also mean testimony or presence.

How do you pronounce fianaise in Irish?

Fianaise is said like “FEE-uh-nish-uh” (IPA /ˈfʲiənˠəʃə/).

What is the plural of evidence in Irish?

The plural of fianaise is fianaisí; with the article, it is na fianaisí. The genitive plural is fianaisí, as in meáchan na bhfianaisí (the weight of the evidence).

Does fianaise have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fianaise can mean evidence, testimony or presence, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fianaise change to fhianaise or bhfianaise?

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

What is the difference between fianaise and finné?

Fianaise is the evidence or testimony itself, while finné is the person who gives it, the witness.

How do I say 'in the light of' in Irish?

Use i bhfianaise followed by the genitive, for example i bhfianaise na fírinne, in the light of the truth.

Evidence in Irish (Fianaise): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage