HeyRuaHow to say “forest” in Irish
- Irish:
- foraois
- English:
- forest, timber
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FUR-eesh” /ˈfɔɾˠiːʃ/
- Genitive singular:
- foraoise, na foraoise (e.g. lár na foraoise, the middle of the forest)
What does “foraois” mean?
“Foraois” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- forest
- A large area of land covered with trees.Also: woodland, woods.
1 other meaning: timber
- 2timber
- Trees grown for wood, or wood as a crop.Also: forestry.
Other Irish words for forest: coill (wood)
“Foraois” with the article
Here is foraois after the article (an t-alt).
“Foraois” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using foraois, the Irish word for forest.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Forest in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for forest?
The Irish for forest is foraois (pronounced “FUR-eesh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean timber.
How do you pronounce foraois in Irish?
Foraois is said like “FUR-eesh” (IPA /ˈfɔɾˠiːʃ/).
Does foraois have a plural?
No plural form is given for foraois in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does foraois have more than one meaning?
Yes. Foraois can mean forest or timber, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does foraois change to fhoraois or bhforaois?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) foraois becomes m'fhoraois (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforaois (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'foraois' and 'coill'?
'Coill' is the everyday word for a wood, while 'foraois' suggests a larger forest or a commercial plantation.
