HeyRuaHow to say “flapping” in Irish
- Irish:
- flapáil
- English:
- flapping
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “FLAP-awl” /ˈfɫapˠaːlʲ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- flapála, na flapála (e.g. fuaim na flapála, the sound of the flapping)
What does “flapáil” mean?
- flapping
- The act of flapping, for example wings or a sail moving up and down or to and fro; it is the verbal noun of the verb flapáil.Also: flap, fluttering, beating of wings.
“Flapáil” with the article
Here is flapáil after the article (an t-alt).
an fhlapáil
the flapping
Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)
“Flapáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using flapáil, the Irish word for flapping.
Chuala mé flapáil sciathán os mo chionn.
I heard wings flapping above me.
Bhí an seol ag flapáil sa ghaoth.
The sail was flapping in the wind.
Dhúisigh flapáil na brataí mé.
The flapping of the flag woke me.
Ní raibh ach fuaim na flapála le cloisteáil.
Only the sound of the flapping could be heard.
Thosaigh an t-éan ag flapáil a sciathán.
The bird started flapping its wings.
Bhí flapáil mhór ar an bpuball san oíche.
The tent was flapping badly in the night.
Stop an fhlapáil nuair a thit an ghaoth.
The flapping stopped when the wind dropped.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Flapping in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for flapping?
The Irish for flapping is flapáil (pronounced “FLAP-awl”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce flapáil in Irish?
Flapáil is said like “FLAP-awl” (IPA /ˈfɫapˠaːlʲ/).
Does flapáil have a plural?
No plural form is given for flapáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does flapáil change to fhlapáil or bhflapáil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) flapáil becomes mo fhlapáil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhflapáil (eclipsis).
Is flapáil the usual word for a bird flapping its wings?
Yes, flapáil is used, but cleitearnach is also common for fluttering or flapping of wings, as in 'cleitearnach sciathán'.
