Figure in Irish (Fíor): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for figure?

The Irish for figure is fíor (pronounced “feer”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fíoracha. Depending on context it can also mean sign of the cross or outline.

Q: What is the plural of figure in Irish?

The plural of fíor is fíoracha; with the article, na fíoracha means “the figures”. The genitive plural is fíoracha, as in líon na bhfíoracha (the number of the figures).

Q: Does fíor have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fíor can mean figure, sign of the cross or outline, depending on context; the first is the most common. Fíor also has its own entry as an adjective meaning true.

How to say “figure” in Irish

Irish:: fíor
English:: figure, sign of the cross, outline
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:: “feer” /fʲiːɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: fíoracha (figures)
Genitive singular:: fíorach, na fíorach (e.g. cruth na fíorach, the shape of the figure)
Genitive plural:: fíoracha, na bhfíoracha (e.g. líon na bhfíoracha, the number of the figures)

What does “fíor” mean?

“Fíor” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

figure: A shape or form, especially a drawn or geometric figure.Also: shape, form, geometric figure.

2 other meanings: sign of the cross or outline

2sign of the cross: The sign of the cross made with the hand, as in the phrase fíor na croise.Also: sign, cross.
3outline: The outline or form of something seen or drawn.Also: silhouette, contour.

Other Irish words for figure: uimhir (number), figiúr (figure)

Other entries for “fíor”

The same spelling has its own page as:

fíortrue · adjective

“Fíor” with the article

The plural of figure in Irish is fíoracha. Here is fíor after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhíor

the figure

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fíoracha

the figures

Plural: no change after na

“Fíor” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fíor, the Irish word for figure.

Rinne sí fíor na croise uirthi féin.

She made the sign of the cross.

Tarraing fíor ar an leathanach.

Draw a figure on the page.

Is triantán an fhíor seo.

This figure is a triangle.

Tá na fíoracha sa leabhar an-soiléir.

The figures in the book are very clear.

Cad é achar na fíorach?

What is the area of the figure?

Ghearr an sagart fíor na croise os ár gcionn.

The priest made the sign of the cross over us.

Chonaic mé fíor duine sa cheo.

I saw the outline of a person in the fog.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Figure in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for figure?

The Irish for figure is fíor (pronounced “feer”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fíoracha. Depending on context it can also mean sign of the cross or outline.

How do you pronounce fíor in Irish?

Fíor is said like “feer” (IPA /fʲiːɾˠ/).

What is the plural of figure in Irish?

The plural of fíor is fíoracha; with the article, na fíoracha means “the figures”. The genitive plural is fíoracha, as in líon na bhfíoracha (the number of the figures).

Does fíor have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fíor can mean figure, sign of the cross or outline, depending on context; the first is the most common. Fíor also has its own entry as an adjective meaning true.

Why does fíor change to fhíor or bhfíor?

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

How do I say 'to bless yourself' in Irish?

Say fíor na croise a ghearradh ort féin or fíor na croise a dhéanamh, literally to make the sign of the cross.

Is this the same word as the adjective fíor meaning 'true'?

No, this is a separate feminine noun meaning figure or sign, with genitive fíorach; the noun for truth is fírinne.

Figure in Irish (Fíor): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage