HeyRuaHow to say “fear” in Irish
- Irish:
- faitíos
- English:
- fear, shyness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fa-TCHEE-us” /fˠaˈtʲiːsˠ/
- Plural:
- faitís (fears)
- Genitive singular:
- faitís, an fhaitís (e.g. ainneoin an fhaitís, despite the fear)
- Genitive plural:
- faitíos, na bhfaitíos (e.g. ag sárú na bhfaitíos, overcoming the fears)
What does “faitíos” mean?
“Faitíos” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fear
- A feeling of being afraid or apprehensive about something.Also: apprehension, dread, fright.
1 other meaning: shyness
- 2shyness
- Timidity or bashfulness in front of other people.Also: timidity, bashfulness.
Other Irish words for fear: eagla (fear)
“Faitíos” with the article
The plural of fear in Irish is faitís. Here is faitíos after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Faitíos” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using faitíos, the Irish word for fear.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fear in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fear?
The Irish for fear is faitíos (pronounced “fa-TCHEE-us”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is faitís. Depending on context it can also mean shyness.
How do you pronounce faitíos in Irish?
Faitíos is said like “fa-TCHEE-us” (IPA /fˠaˈtʲiːsˠ/).
What is the plural of fear in Irish?
The plural of faitíos is faitís; with the article, na faitís means “the fears”. The genitive plural is faitíos, as in ag sárú na bhfaitíos (overcoming the fears).
Does faitíos have more than one meaning?
Yes. Faitíos can mean fear or shyness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does faitíos change to fhaitíos or bhfaitíos?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) faitíos becomes m'fhaitíos (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfaitíos (eclipsis).
What is the difference between faitíos and eagla?
Both mean fear and are used the same way, 'tá eagla orm' or 'tá faitíos orm'. Eagla is the more general standard word, while faitíos is especially common in Connacht and Ulster speech and can also suggest shyness.
How do I say 'in case' using faitíos?
Use 'ar fhaitíos go', as in 'Tóg cóta ar fhaitíos go mbeidh sé fuar', take a coat in case it's cold.
