Insect in Irish (Feithid): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for insect?

The Irish for insect is feithid (pronounced “FEH-hidj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is feithidí. Depending on context it can also mean wild creature or puny person.

Q: What is the plural of insect in Irish?

The plural of feithid is feithidí; with the article, na feithidí means “the insects”. The genitive plural is feithidí, as in saol na bhfeithidí (the life of insects).

Q: Does feithid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Feithid can mean insect, wild creature or puny person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “insect” in Irish

Irish:: feithid
English:: insect, wild creature, puny person
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “FEH-hidj” /ˈfʲɛhɪdʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: feithidí (insects)
Genitive singular:: feithide, na feithide (e.g. cosa na feithide, the insect's legs)
Genitive plural:: feithidí, na bhfeithidí (e.g. saol na bhfeithidí, the life of insects)

What does “feithid” mean?

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

insect: A small creature with six legs and a body in three parts, such as a fly, bee or beetle.Also: bug, creepy-crawly, tiny creature.

2 other meanings: wild creature or puny person

2wild creature: A wild or repulsive creature, sometimes a snake or adder.Also: beast, serpent, adder.
3puny person: A small, insignificant or contemptible person.Also: insignificant person, wretch.

“Feithid” with the article

The plural of insect in Irish is feithidí. Here is feithid after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fheithid

the insect

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na feithidí

the insects

Plural: no change after na

“Feithid” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using feithid, the Irish word for insect.

Tá feithid ar an mballa.

There's an insect on the wall.

Bhain an fheithid greim asam.

The insect bit me.

Bíonn go leor feithidí sa ghairdín sa samhradh.

There are lots of insects in the garden in summer.

Ní maith liom feithidí ar chor ar bith.

I don't like insects at all.

Chuaigh feithid isteach i mo shúil.

An insect went into my eye.

Cén t-ainm atá ar an bhfeithid seo?

What is this insect called?

Tá sciatháin na feithide an-tanaí.

The insect's wings are very thin.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Insect in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for insect?

The Irish for insect is feithid (pronounced “FEH-hidj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is feithidí. Depending on context it can also mean wild creature or puny person.

How do you pronounce feithid in Irish?

Feithid is said like “FEH-hidj” (IPA /ˈfʲɛhɪdʲ/).

What is the plural of insect in Irish?

The plural of feithid is feithidí; with the article, na feithidí means “the insects”. The genitive plural is feithidí, as in saol na bhfeithidí (the life of insects).

Does feithid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Feithid can mean insect, wild creature or puny person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does feithid change to fheithid or bhfeithid?

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

Is 'feithid' the general word for any bug?

Yes, 'feithid' is the standard word for an insect; for a small crawling creature people may also say 'míol', and for a beetle 'ciaróg'.

Can 'feithid' describe a person?

Yes, figuratively it can mean a puny or worthless person, like calling someone a little creep in English.

Insect in Irish (Feithid): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage