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Force in Irish (Fórsa): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for force is fórsa, a masculine noun (plural fórsaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “force” in Irish

Irish:
fórsa
English:
force
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“FOOR-suh”  /ˈfˠoːɾˠsˠə/
Various forms
Plural:
fórsaí (forces)
Genitive singular:
fórsa, an fhórsa (e.g. ceannaire an fhórsa, leader of the force)
Genitive plural:
fórsaí, na bhfórsaí (e.g. ceannasaí na bhfórsaí, commander of the forces)

What does “fórsa” mean?

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

force
An organised body of soldiers, police or other people acting together, such as an army or police force.Also: forces, armed forces, troops, military force.
1 other meaning:
2force
Physical strength or power used to push, pull or move something, including the scientific quantity in physics.Also: strength, physical force, power.

Other Irish words for force: neart (strength), éigean (force), foréigean (violence), fórsáil (force)

“Fórsa” with the article

The plural of force in Irish is fórsaí. Here is fórsa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fórsa
the force
No change after an
na fórsaí
the forces
Plural: no change after na

“Fórsa” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fórsa, the Irish word for force.

Tá fórsa láidir póilíní ar an tsráid anocht.
There is a strong police force on the street tonight.
Chuaigh a mac isteach sna fórsaí cosanta.
Her son joined the defence forces.
Bhain siad úsáid as fórsa chun an doras a oscailt.
They used force to open the door.
Tá an fórsa ag fanacht ar orduithe nua.
The force is waiting for new orders.
D'fhoghlaimíomar faoi fhórsa an domhantarraingthe inniu.
We learned about the force of gravity today.
Bhí m'athair san fhórsa ar feadh fiche bliain.
My father was in the force for twenty years.
Tháinig fórsaí an namhad isteach sa bhaile.
The enemy forces came into the town.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Force in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for force?

The Irish for force is fórsa (pronounced “FOOR-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fórsaí.

How do you pronounce fórsa in Irish?

Fórsa is said like “FOOR-suh” (IPA /ˈfˠoːɾˠsˠə/).

What is the plural of force in Irish?

The plural of fórsa is fórsaí; with the article, na fórsaí means “the forces”. The genitive plural is fórsaí, as in ceannasaí na bhfórsaí (commander of the forces).

Why does fórsa change to fhórsa or bhfórsa?

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

What is the difference between 'fórsa' and 'neart'?

'Neart' is general strength or might, while 'fórsa' is force as applied power or an organised body like 'fórsa póilíní'. In physics 'fórsa' is the technical term.

How do I say 'by force' in Irish?

Use 'le lámh láidir' or 'le fórsa', for example 'tógadh é le fórsa'.

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