Fur in Irish (Fionnadh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for fur?

The Irish for fur is fionnadh (pronounced “FYIN-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean body hair or pile.

Q: Does fionnadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fionnadh can mean fur, body hair or pile, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fur” in Irish

Irish:: fionnadh
English:: fur, body hair, pile
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “FYIN-uh” /ˈfʲɪn̪ˠə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: fionnaidh, an fhionnaidh (e.g. cóta fionnaidh, fur coat)

What does “fionnadh” mean?

“Fionnadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

fur: The soft hair that covers the body of an animal.Also: hair, coat, pelt.

2 other meanings: body hair or pile

2body hair: Hair growing on the human body, as distinct from the hair of the head.Also: hair, down.
3pile: The raised fibres on the surface of cloth, or the grain of wood.Also: nap, grain.

“Fionnadh” with the article

Here is fionnadh after the article (an t-alt).

an fionnadh

the fur

No change after an

“Fionnadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fionnadh, the Irish word for fur.

Tá fionnadh bog ar an gcoinín.

The rabbit has soft fur.

Bhí an fionnadh ar an madra fliuch báite.

The dog's fur was soaking wet.

Cheannaigh sí cóta fionnaidh i bPáras.

She bought a fur coat in Paris.

Tá fionnadh an chait ar fud an toilg.

The cat's fur is all over the sofa.

Cuireann an t-ainmhí fionnadh tiubh air sa gheimhreadh.

The animal grows a thick coat in winter.

Tá dath bán ar fhionnadh an bhéir bháin.

The polar bear's fur is white.

Bhí fionnadh an mhadra lán puiteach.

The dog's fur was covered in mud.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

uimhirnumber tráchttraffic cumasability droimback téarmaterm brathdependence

Fur in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fur?

The Irish for fur is fionnadh (pronounced “FYIN-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean body hair or pile.

How do you pronounce fionnadh in Irish?

Fionnadh is said like “FYIN-uh” (IPA /ˈfʲɪn̪ˠə/).

Does fionnadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for fionnadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does fionnadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fionnadh can mean fur, body hair or pile, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fionnadh change to fhionnadh or bhfionnadh?

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

What is the difference between 'fionnadh' and 'gruaig'?

'Gruaig' is the hair of the human head, while 'fionnadh' is animal fur or body hair. 'Clúmh' is used for feathers or down.

Fur in Irish (Fionnadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage