HeyRuaHow to say “leaving” in Irish
- Irish:
- fágáil
- English:
- leaving, failing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- fág, to leave (ag fágáil, leaving)
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “FAW-gawl” /ˈfˠaːɡaːlʲ/
- Plural:
- fágálacha
- Genitive singular:
- fágála, na fágála (e.g. aois fágála scoile, school-leaving age)
- Genitive plural:
- fágálacha, na bhfágálacha (e.g. dáta na bhfágálacha, the date of the departures)
What does “fágáil” mean?
“Fágáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- leaving
- The verbal noun of the verb fág: the act of leaving a place, person or thing.Also: departure, abandoning, leaving behind.
1 other meaning: failing
- 2failing
- A weakness or fault in a person's character.Also: weakness, fault, defect.
“Fágáil” as a verbal noun
After ag, fágáil means leaving: it is the verbal noun of the verb fág (to leave). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Fágáil” with the article
The plural of leaving in Irish is fágálacha. Here is fágáil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fágáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fágáil, the Irish word for leaving.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Leaving in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for leaving?
The Irish for leaving is fágáil (pronounced “FAW-gawl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fágálacha. Depending on context it can also mean failing.
How do you pronounce fágáil in Irish?
Fágáil is said like “FAW-gawl” (IPA /ˈfˠaːɡaːlʲ/).
What is the plural of leaving in Irish?
The plural of fágáil is fágálacha; with the article, it is na fágálacha. The genitive plural is fágálacha, as in dáta na bhfágálacha (the date of the departures).
Does fágáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fágáil can mean leaving or failing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fágáil change to fhágáil or bhfágáil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fágáil becomes m'fhágáil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfágáil (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I am leaving' in Irish?
Use the verbal noun with ag: Táim ag fágáil. Note the object of fágáil goes into the genitive, as in ag fágáil an tí.
What is the difference between fágáil and imeacht?
Fágáil means leaving something or somewhere and usually takes an object (ag fágáil na scoile), while imeacht means going away in general (tá sé ag imeacht).
