HeyRuaHow to say “fumbling” in Irish
- Irish:
- útamáil
- English:
- fumbling, pottering
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OO-tuh-mawl” /ˈuːt̪ˠəmˠaːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- útamála, na hútamála (e.g. lá útamála, a day of fumbling about)
What does “útamáil” mean?
“Útamáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fumbling
- Clumsy, awkward handling of something, or groping about blindly with the hands.Also: groping, clumsy handling, bungling.
1 other meaning: pottering
- 2pottering
- Pottering or fiddling about at a task without getting much done.Also: fiddling, messing about, dabbling.
“Útamáil” with the article
Here is útamáil after the article (an t-alt).
“Útamáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using útamáil, the Irish word for fumbling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fumbling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fumbling?
The Irish for fumbling is útamáil (pronounced “OO-tuh-mawl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pottering.
How do you pronounce útamáil in Irish?
Útamáil is said like “OO-tuh-mawl” (IPA /ˈuːt̪ˠəmˠaːlʲ/).
Does útamáil have a plural?
No plural form is given for útamáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does útamáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Útamáil can mean fumbling or pottering, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does útamáil sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an útamáil (the fumbling), a hútamáil (her fumbling), a n-útamáil (their fumbling).
How is 'útamáil' usually used in a sentence?
It is most often used as a verbal noun with 'ag': 'bhí sé ag útamáil leis an nglas' means 'he was fumbling with the lock'.
