Hovering in Irish (Foluain): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for hovering?

The Irish for hovering is foluain (pronounced “FUL-oo-in”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean floating.

Q: Does foluain have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foluain can mean hovering or floating, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hovering” in Irish

Irish:: foluain
English:: hovering, floating
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “FUL-oo-in” /ˈfˠɔl̪ˠuənʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: foluana, na foluana (e.g. cumas foluana, the ability to hover)

What does “foluain” mean?

“Foluain” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

hovering: Foluain is the act of hovering or fluttering in the air while staying in one place, as a bird or insect does; it is the verbal noun of 'foluain' (to hover).Also: hover, fluttering, flitting.

1 other meaning: floating

2floating: Foluain is drifting or waving gently in the air or on water, as a flag or a leaf does.Also: drifting, waving.

“Foluain” with the article

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

an fholuain

the hovering

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Foluain” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using foluain, the Irish word for hovering.

Bhí an seabhac ar foluain os cionn an ghoirt.

The hawk was hovering above the field.

Tá an bhratach ar foluain ar an gcaisleán.

The flag is flying over the castle.

Chonaic mé féileacán ar foluain sa ghairdín.

I saw a butterfly fluttering in the garden.

Bhí an héileacaptar ar foluain os ár gcionn.

The helicopter was hovering over us.

Is breá liom foluain na n-éan beag.

I love the fluttering of the little birds.

Bhí an t-éan ar foluain os cionn na habhann.

The bird was hovering above the river.

Bhí duilleoga ar foluain sa ghaoth.

Leaves were drifting in the wind.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

díthlack ospidéalhospital tairbhebenefit cranntree árasánflat traeintrain

Hovering in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hovering?

The Irish for hovering is foluain (pronounced “FUL-oo-in”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean floating.

How do you pronounce foluain in Irish?

Foluain is said like “FUL-oo-in” (IPA /ˈfˠɔl̪ˠuənʲ/).

Does foluain have a plural?

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

Does foluain have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foluain can mean hovering or floating, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does foluain change to fholuain or bhfoluain?

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

How do I say a flag is flying in Irish?

Use 'ar foluain': 'Tá an bhratach ar foluain' means the flag is flying. Note that 'ar foluain' is not lenited.

What is the difference between 'foluain' and 'eitilt'?

'Eitilt' is flying in general, while 'foluain' is hovering or fluttering in one spot, or waving like a flag.

Hovering in Irish (Foluain): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage