HeyRuaHow to say “hoop” in Irish
- Irish:
- fonsa
- English:
- hoop, rim
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FUN-suh” /ˈfˠɔn̪ˠsˠə/
- Plural:
- fonsaí (hoops)
- Genitive singular:
- fonsa, an fhonsa (e.g. cruth an fhonsa, the shape of the hoop)
- Genitive plural:
- fonsaí, na bhfonsaí (e.g. déanamh fonsaí, making hoops)
What does “fonsa” mean?
“Fonsa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hoop
- A circular band of metal or wood, especially one that holds the staves of a barrel or cask together.Also: barrel hoop, band, ring.
1 other meaning: rim
- 2rim
- A circular rim or edge, such as the ring of a wheel or the hoop in basketball.Also: ring, basketball hoop, circle.
“Fonsa” with the article
The plural of hoop in Irish is fonsaí. Here is fonsa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fonsa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fonsa, the Irish word for hoop.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hoop in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hoop?
The Irish for hoop is fonsa (pronounced “FUN-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fonsaí. Depending on context it can also mean rim.
How do you pronounce fonsa in Irish?
Fonsa is said like “FUN-suh” (IPA /ˈfˠɔn̪ˠsˠə/).
What is the plural of hoop in Irish?
The plural of fonsa is fonsaí; with the article, na fonsaí means “the hoops”. The genitive plural is fonsaí, as in déanamh fonsaí (making hoops).
Does fonsa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fonsa can mean hoop or rim, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fonsa change to fhonsa or bhfonsa?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fonsa becomes m'fhonsa (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfonsa (eclipsis).
What does 'sna fonsaí tógála' mean?
It is an idiom meaning that something is in preparation or in the works, literally 'in the truss hoops' used while building a barrel.
Is 'fonsa' the same as 'fáinne'?
No. 'Fáinne' is a ring in general, such as a finger ring, while 'fonsa' is a hoop or band, especially around a barrel.
