Favour in Irish (Fabhar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for favour?

The Irish for favour is fabhar (pronounced “FOW-er”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fabhair. Depending on context it can also mean favouritism.

Q: What is the plural of favour in Irish?

The plural of fabhar is fabhair; with the article, na fabhair means “the favours”. The genitive plural is fabhar, as in malartú na bhfabhar (the exchange of favours).

Q: Does fabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fabhar can mean favour or favouritism, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “favour” in Irish

Irish:: fabhar
English:: favour, favouritism
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “FOW-er” /ˈfˠəuɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: fabhair (favours)
Genitive singular:: fabhair, an fhabhair (e.g. cúiteamh an fhabhair, repayment of the favour)
Genitive plural:: fabhar, na bhfabhar (e.g. malartú na bhfabhar, the exchange of favours)

What does “fabhar” mean?

“Fabhar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

favour: An act of kindness or help done for someone, or approval and goodwill shown towards them.Also: kindness, good turn, goodwill.

1 other meaning: favouritism

2favouritism: Unfair support or preference given to one person or side over others, or influence used to gain an advantage.Also: influence, partiality, bias.

Other Irish words for favour: comaoin (favour), gar (favour)

“Fabhar” with the article

The plural of favour in Irish is fabhair. Here is fabhar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fabhar

the favour

No change after an

na fabhair

the favours

Plural: no change after na

“Fabhar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fabhar, the Irish word for favour.

An ndéanfá fabhar dom, le do thoil?

Would you do me a favour, please?

Rinne sí fabhar mór dom inné.

She did me a big favour yesterday.

Is mór an fabhar é sin.

That is a great favour.

Níl mé ag iarraidh fabhair ar aon duine.

I'm not asking anyone for a favour.

Bhí an breitheamh i bhfabhar an fhir óig.

The judge was in favour of the young man.

Tá fabhar mór ag dul dom uaidh.

He owes me a big favour.

Fuair sé an post trí fhabhar, deir siad.

He got the job through favouritism, they say.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Favour in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for favour?

The Irish for favour is fabhar (pronounced “FOW-er”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fabhair. Depending on context it can also mean favouritism.

How do you pronounce fabhar in Irish?

Fabhar is said like “FOW-er” (IPA /ˈfˠəuɾˠ/).

What is the plural of favour in Irish?

The plural of fabhar is fabhair; with the article, na fabhair means “the favours”. The genitive plural is fabhar, as in malartú na bhfabhar (the exchange of favours).

Does fabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fabhar can mean favour or favouritism, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fabhar change to fhabhar or bhfabhar?

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

What is the difference between 'fabhar' and 'gar'?

Both can mean a favour, but 'gar' is the more native everyday word for a good turn (An ndéanfá gar dom?), while 'fabhar' also covers favouritism and being 'i bhfabhar' something.

How do I say 'in favour of' in Irish?

Use 'i bhfabhar' followed by the genitive: 'Tá mé i bhfabhar an phlean' means I am in favour of the plan.

Favour in Irish (Fabhar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage