HeyRuaHow to say “eyelash” in Irish
- Irish:
- fabhra
- English:
- eyelash, eyelid, fringe
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FOW-ruh” /ˈfˠəuɾˠə/
- Plural:
- fabhraí (eyelashes)
- Genitive singular:
- fabhra, an fhabhra (e.g. fad an fhabhra, the length of the eyelash)
- Genitive plural:
- fabhraí, na bhfabhraí (e.g. fad na bhfabhraí, the length of the eyelashes)
What does “fabhra” mean?
“Fabhra” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- eyelash
- One of the short hairs growing along the edge of the eyelid.Also: lash, eyelashes.
2 other meanings: eyelid or fringe
- 2eyelid
- The fold of skin that closes over the eye, a sense also given in the dictionaries.Also: lid.
- 3fringe
- A fringe or border, used figuratively for the edge of something.Also: border, edge.
“Fabhra” with the article
The plural of eyelash in Irish is fabhraí. Here is fabhra after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fabhra” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fabhra, the Irish word for eyelash.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Eyelash in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for eyelash?
The Irish for eyelash is fabhra (pronounced “FOW-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fabhraí. Depending on context it can also mean eyelid or fringe.
How do you pronounce fabhra in Irish?
Fabhra is said like “FOW-ruh” (IPA /ˈfˠəuɾˠə/).
What is the plural of eyelash in Irish?
The plural of fabhra is fabhraí; with the article, na fabhraí means “the eyelashes”. The genitive plural is fabhraí, as in fad na bhfabhraí (the length of the eyelashes).
Does fabhra have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fabhra can mean eyelash, eyelid or fringe, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fabhra change to fhabhra or bhfabhra?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fabhra becomes m'fhabhra (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfabhra (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'fabhra' and 'mala'?
'Fabhra' is an eyelash (or eyelid), while 'mala' is an eyebrow.
