Fenian in Irish (Fiannaí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for fenian?

The Irish for fenian is fiannaí (pronounced “FEE-uh-nee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fiannaithe. Depending on context it can also mean fenian (republican).

Q: What is the plural of fenian in Irish?

The plural of fiannaí is fiannaithe; with the article, na fiannaithe means “the fenians”. The genitive plural is fiannaithe, as in scéalta na bhfiannaithe (stories of the fenians).

Q: Does fiannaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fiannaí can mean fenian or fenian (republican), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fenian” in Irish

Irish:: fiannaí
English:: fenian, fenian (republican)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “FEE-uh-nee” /ˈfʲiən̪ˠiː/

Various forms

Plural:: fiannaithe (fenians)
Genitive singular:: fiannaí, an fhiannaí (e.g. claíomh an fhiannaí, the fenian's sword)
Genitive plural:: fiannaithe, na bhfiannaithe (e.g. scéalta na bhfiannaithe, stories of the fenians)

What does “fiannaí” mean?

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

fenian: A member of the Fianna, the legendary band of warriors led by Fionn mac Cumhaill.Also: member of the fianna, fianna warrior, legendary warrior.

1 other meaning: fenian (republican)

2fenian (republican): A member of the Fenian Brotherhood or Irish Republican Brotherhood of the nineteenth century.Also: fenian, Irish Republican Brotherhood member, republican.

“Fiannaí” with the article

The plural of fenian in Irish is fiannaithe. Here is fiannaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fiannaí

the fenian

No change after an

na fiannaithe

the fenians

Plural: no change after na

“Fiannaí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fiannaí, the Irish word for fenian.

Bhí sé ina fhiannaí cróga san am fadó.

He was a brave fenian in olden times.

Chuaigh an fiannaí ag fiach sna sléibhte.

The fenian went hunting in the mountains.

Is maith liom scéalta faoi na fiannaithe.

I like stories about the fenians.

Ba é Oisín an fiannaí ab fhearr le filíocht.

Oisín was the fenian best at poetry.

Cuireadh an fiannaí i bpríosún i 1867.

The Fenian was imprisoned in 1867.

Bhí neart an fhiannaí le feiceáil ina lámha.

The fenian's strength could be seen in his arms.

Throid na fiannaithe in aghaidh na nGall.

The fenians fought against the foreigners.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Fenian in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fenian?

The Irish for fenian is fiannaí (pronounced “FEE-uh-nee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fiannaithe. Depending on context it can also mean fenian (republican).

How do you pronounce fiannaí in Irish?

Fiannaí is said like “FEE-uh-nee” (IPA /ˈfʲiən̪ˠiː/).

What is the plural of fenian in Irish?

The plural of fiannaí is fiannaithe; with the article, na fiannaithe means “the fenians”. The genitive plural is fiannaithe, as in scéalta na bhfiannaithe (stories of the fenians).

Does fiannaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fiannaí can mean fenian or fenian (republican), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fiannaí change to fhiannaí or bhfiannaí?

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

How is fiannaí related to Fianna?

Fiannaí is one member, while an Fhiann or na Fianna is the whole band led by Fionn mac Cumhaill.

Fenian in Irish (Fiannaí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage