HeyRuaHow to say “French” in Irish
- Irish:
- Fraincis
- English:
- French
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “FRANG-kish” /ˈfˠɾˠaɲcɪʃ/
- Genitive singular:
- Fraincise, na Fraincise (e.g. múinteoir Fraincise, French teacher)
What does “Fraincis” mean?
- French
- The French language, spoken in France, Belgium, Canada and elsewhere.Also: French language.
“Fraincis” with the article
Here is Fraincis after the article (an t-alt).
“Fraincis” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Fraincis, the Irish word for French.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
French in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for French?
The Irish for French is Fraincis (pronounced “FRANG-kish”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce Fraincis in Irish?
Fraincis is said like “FRANG-kish” (IPA /ˈfˠɾˠaɲcɪʃ/).
Does Fraincis have a plural?
No. Fraincis is a name, so it is used in the singular only.
Why does Fraincis change to Fhraincis or bhFraincis?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) Fraincis becomes mo Fhraincis (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhFraincis (eclipsis).
What is the difference between Fraincis, an Fhrainc and Francach?
Fraincis is the French language, an Fhrainc is the country France, and Francach is a French person.
Do I use the article with Fraincis?
Often yes: an Fhraincis is common as subject, e.g. Tá an Fhraincis deacair, but you say Tá Fraincis agam for 'I speak French'.
