HeyRuaHow to say “knowledge” in Irish
- Irish:
- fios
- English:
- knowledge, information, occult knowledge
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fiss” /fʲɪsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- feasa, an fheasa (e.g. bean feasa, fortune-teller (wise woman))
What does “fios” mean?
“Fios” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- knowledge
- The state of knowing something; used in the common phrase 'tá a fhios agam' (I know).Also: knowing, awareness.
2 other meanings: information or occult knowledge
- 2information
- Facts or news that someone is told or finds out about something.Also: news, word.
- 3occult knowledge
- Supernatural knowledge or second sight, as possessed by a fortune-teller or seer.Also: second sight, clairvoyance.
Other Irish words for knowledge: eolas (knowledge), iúl (knowledge), eol (knowledge), aithnid (acquaintance)
“Fios” with the article
Here is fios after the article (an t-alt).
“Fios” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fios, the Irish word for knowledge.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “fios”
Knowledge in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for knowledge?
The Irish for knowledge is fios (pronounced “fiss”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean information or occult knowledge.
How do you pronounce fios in Irish?
Fios is said like “fiss” (IPA /fʲɪsˠ/).
Does fios have a plural?
No plural form is given for fios in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does fios have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fios can mean knowledge, information or occult knowledge, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fios change to fhios or bhfios?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fios becomes m'fhios (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfios (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'fios' and 'eolas'?
'Fios' is used mainly for knowing a fact, as in 'tá a fhios agam' (I know), while 'eolas' is knowledge or information about a subject or place, as in 'tá eolas agam ar an áit'.
What does 'cuir fios ar' mean?
'Cuir fios ar' means to send for someone, for example 'chuir siad fios ar an sagart' (they sent for the priest).
