HeyRuaHow to say “fear” in Irish
- Irish:
- uamhan
- English:
- fear, awe, object of dread
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OO-uh-wun” /ˈuəwən/
- Plural:
- uamhna (fears)
- Genitive singular:
- uamhain, an uamhain (e.g. mothú uamhain, a feeling of dread)
- Genitive plural:
- uamhan, na n-uamhan (e.g. foinse na n-uamhan, the source of the fears)
What does “uamhan” mean?
“Uamhan” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fear
- A strong feeling of fear or dread.Also: dread, terror, phobia.
“Uamhan” with the article
The plural of fear in Irish is uamhna. Here is uamhan after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uamhan” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uamhan, 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 uamhan (pronounced “OO-uh-wun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is uamhna. Depending on context it can also mean awe or object of dread.
How do you pronounce uamhan in Irish?
Uamhan is said like “OO-uh-wun” (IPA /ˈuəwən/).
What is the plural of fear in Irish?
The plural of uamhan is uamhna; with the article, na huamhna means “the fears”. The genitive plural is uamhan, as in foinse na n-uamhan (the source of the fears).
Does uamhan have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uamhan can mean fear, awe or object of dread, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uamhan sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-uamhan (the fear), a huamhan (her fear), a n-uamhan (their fear), na huamhna (the fears).
How is 'uamhan' different from 'eagla'?
'Eagla' is the everyday word for fear, as in 'tá eagla orm'. 'Uamhan' is stronger and more literary, meaning dread or awe, and is used in terms for phobias such as 'uamhan clóis'.
