HeyRuaHow to say “fern” in Irish
- Irish:
- raithneach
- English:
- fern, bracken, cannabis
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “RAH-nyukh” /ˈɾˠahnʲəx/
- Genitive singular:
- raithní, na raithní (e.g. duilleoga na raithní, the leaves of the fern)
What does “raithneach” mean?
“Raithneach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fern
- A green, feathery-leaved plant that grows in damp or shady places and reproduces by spores.Also: ferns.
2 other meanings: bracken or cannabis
- 2bracken
- The tall, coarse fern that covers hillsides and rough land.Also: brake, fern.
- 3cannabis
- A slang name for cannabis or marijuana.Also: marijuana, weed, hash.
“Raithneach” with the article
Here is raithneach after the article (an t-alt).
“Raithneach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using raithneach, the Irish word for fern.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fern in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fern?
The Irish for fern is raithneach (pronounced “RAH-nyukh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean bracken or cannabis.
How do you pronounce raithneach in Irish?
Raithneach is said like “RAH-nyukh” (IPA /ˈɾˠahnʲəx/).
Does raithneach have a plural?
No plural form is given for raithneach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does raithneach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Raithneach can mean fern, bracken or cannabis, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is 'raithneach' one fern or many?
It is a mass noun, so 'raithneach' can mean a single fern or a whole spread of bracken, as in 'cnoc faoi raithneach', a hill covered in bracken.
What is the Irish for a place full of ferns?
A ferny place is 'raithneachán', a word also found in place names.
