HeyRuaHow to say “heaven” in Irish
- Irish:
- flaitheas
- English:
- heaven, sovereignty, realm
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FLAH-hus” /ˈfˠl̪ˠahəsˠ/
- Plural:
- flaithis (heavens)
- Genitive singular:
- flaithis, an fhlaithis (e.g. geataí an fhlaithis, the gates of heaven)
- Genitive plural:
- flaitheas, na bhflaitheas (e.g. Rí na bhflaitheas, King of the heavens)
What does “flaitheas” mean?
“Flaitheas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- heaven
- Heaven, paradise, the place of eternal happiness; often in the plural 'na flaithis'.Also: paradise, the heavens, kingdom of heaven.
“Flaitheas” with the article
The plural of heaven in Irish is flaithis. Here is flaitheas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Flaitheas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using flaitheas, the Irish word for heaven.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Heaven in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for heaven?
The Irish for heaven is flaitheas (pronounced “FLAH-hus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is flaithis. Depending on context it can also mean sovereignty or realm.
How do you pronounce flaitheas in Irish?
Flaitheas is said like “FLAH-hus” (IPA /ˈfˠl̪ˠahəsˠ/).
What is the plural of heaven in Irish?
The plural of flaitheas is flaithis; with the article, na flaithis means “the heavens”. The genitive plural is flaitheas, as in Rí na bhflaitheas (King of the heavens).
Does flaitheas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Flaitheas can mean heaven, sovereignty or realm, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does flaitheas change to fhlaitheas or bhflaitheas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) flaitheas becomes mo fhlaitheas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhflaitheas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'flaitheas' and 'neamh'?
Both mean heaven; 'neamh' is the usual word for heaven or the sky, while 'flaitheas', often plural 'na flaithis', is common in prayers and blessings such as 'go raibh sé ar na flaithis'.
How is 'flaitheas' used in politics?
It forms compounds for systems of rule, for example 'daonfhlaitheas' (democracy).
