Fiction in Irish (Finscéalaíocht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for fiction?

The Irish for fiction is finscéalaíocht (pronounced “FIN-shkayl-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean romance writing.

Q: Does finscéalaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Finscéalaíocht can mean fiction or romance writing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fiction” in Irish

Irish:: finscéalaíocht
English:: fiction, romance writing
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “FIN-shkayl-ee-ukht” /ˈfʲɪnʲʃceːlˠiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: finscéalaíochta, na finscéalaíochta (e.g. saothar finscéalaíochta, a work of fiction)

What does “finscéalaíocht” mean?

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

fiction: Literature made up of invented stories, such as novels and short stories, rather than true accounts.Also: fictional writing, imaginative literature.

1 other meaning: romance writing

2romance writing: The writing or telling of fanciful, romantic or legendary tales.Also: storytelling, fable-telling.

Other Irish words for fiction: ficsean (fiction)

“Finscéalaíocht” with the article

Here is finscéalaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an fhinscéalaíocht

the fiction

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Finscéalaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using finscéalaíocht, the Irish word for fiction.

Is maith liom finscéalaíocht a léamh san oíche.

I like reading fiction at night.

Tá an fhinscéalaíocht Ghaeilge ag dul i bhfeidhm.

Irish-language fiction is growing in influence.

Scríobh sí leabhar finscéalaíochta don aos óg.

She wrote a book of fiction for young people.

Is í an fhinscéalaíocht mo rogha litríochta.

Fiction is my favourite kind of literature.

Bhuaigh sé duais as finscéalaíocht anuraidh.

He won a prize for fiction last year.

Tá cúrsa finscéalaíochta á dhéanamh agam san ollscoil.

I'm doing a fiction course at the university.

Ní fírinne é sin ach finscéalaíocht.

That isn't the truth, it's just fiction.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cumannassociation óstánhotel urlárfloor tógáillifting gnéaspect dearmadforgetfulness

Fiction in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fiction?

The Irish for fiction is finscéalaíocht (pronounced “FIN-shkayl-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean romance writing.

How do you pronounce finscéalaíocht in Irish?

Finscéalaíocht is said like “FIN-shkayl-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈfʲɪnʲʃceːlˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does finscéalaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for finscéalaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does finscéalaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Finscéalaíocht can mean fiction or romance writing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does finscéalaíocht change to fhinscéalaíocht or bhfinscéalaíocht?

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

What is the difference between finscéal and finscéalaíocht?

Finscéal is a single fictional tale, romance or legend, while finscéalaíocht is fiction as a whole, the genre or body of writing.

Is ficsean also used?

Yes, ficsean is also found, but finscéalaíocht is the established term in the standard dictionaries.

Fiction in Irish (Finscéalaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage