HeyRuaHow to say “hedge” in Irish
- Irish:
- fál
- English:
- hedge, fence, enclosed field
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fawl” /fˠɑːlˠ/
- Plural:
- fálta (hedges)
- Genitive singular:
- fáil, an fháil (e.g. bun an fháil, the foot of the hedge)
- Genitive plural:
- fálta, na bhfálta (e.g. ag bearradh fálta, trimming hedges)
What does “fál” mean?
“Fál” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hedge
- A row of bushes or shrubs planted close together to mark a boundary.Also: hedgerow, quickset hedge.
2 other meanings: fence or enclosed field
- 2fence
- A barrier of wood, wire or stone that encloses or divides land.Also: barrier, enclosure, boundary wall.
- 3enclosed field
- A piece of land enclosed by a fence or hedge; also used in old literature of Ireland itself, as in Inis Fáil.Also: enclosure, paddock.
“Fál” with the article
The plural of hedge in Irish is fálta. Here is fál after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fál” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fál, the Irish word for hedge.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hedge in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hedge?
The Irish for hedge is fál (pronounced “fawl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fálta. Depending on context it can also mean fence or enclosed field.
How do you pronounce fál in Irish?
Fál is said like “fawl” (IPA /fˠɑːlˠ/).
What is the plural of hedge in Irish?
The plural of fál is fálta; with the article, na fálta means “the hedges”. The genitive plural is fálta, as in ag bearradh fálta (trimming hedges).
Does fál have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fál can mean hedge, fence or enclosed field, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fál change to fhál or bhfál?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fál becomes m'fhál (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfál (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'fál' and 'claí'?
A 'fál' is a hedge or fence, while a 'claí' is usually a bank of earth or a stone wall used as a field boundary, though the two overlap in use.
What does 'Inis Fáil' mean?
'Inis Fáil' is an old poetic name for Ireland, often linked with 'Lia Fáil', the Stone of Destiny at Tara.
