HeyRuaHow to say “man” in Irish
- Irish:
- fear
- English:
- man, husband, person who does something
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “far” /fʲaɾˠ/
- Plural:
- fir (men)
- Genitive singular:
- fir, an fhir (e.g. hata an fhir, the man's hat)
- Genitive plural:
- fear, na bhfear (e.g. seomra na bhfear, the men's room)
What does “fear” mean?
“Fear” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- man
- An adult male human being.Also: male, gentleman, fellow.
2 other meanings: husband or person who does something
- 2husband
- A woman's husband, as in 'm'fhear céile'.Also: spouse, partner.
- 3person who does something
- Used before a noun to mean a person who does a particular job or has a particular role, such as 'fear an phoist' for the postman.Also: person, one who, -man.
Other Irish words for man: fireannach (male person)
“Fear” with the article
The plural of man in Irish is fir. Here is fear after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fear” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fear, the Irish word for man.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Man in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for man?
The Irish for man is fear (pronounced “far”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fir. Depending on context it can also mean husband or person who does something.
How do you pronounce fear in Irish?
Fear is said like “far” (IPA /fʲaɾˠ/).
What is the plural of man in Irish?
The plural of fear is fir; with the article, na fir means “the men”. The genitive plural is fear, as in seomra na bhfear (the men's room).
Does fear have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fear can mean man, husband or person who does something, depending on context; the first is the most common. Fear also has its own entry as a verb meaning to grant.
Why does fear change to fhear or bhfear?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fear becomes m'fhear (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfear (eclipsis).
How do I say 'husband' in Irish?
The usual term is 'fear céile', literally 'man of companion'; 'm'fhear' alone can also mean 'my husband' in context.
Why is it 'triúr fear' and not 'triúr fir'?
After 'triúr' and other personal numbers the genitive plural is used, and for 'fear' that is 'fear', so 'beirt fhear', 'triúr fear'.
