HeyRuaHow to say “manly” in Irish
- Irish:
- fearúil
- English:
- manly, brave
- Word type:
- adjective
- Manlier:
- níos fearúla
- Manliest:
- is fearúla
- Plural:
- fearúla
- Pronunciation:
- “FAR-ool” /ˈfʲaɾˠuːlʲ/
What does “fearúil” mean?
“Fearúil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- manly
- Having the qualities thought typical of a man, such as strength and courage.Also: masculine, virile, mannish.
1 other meaning: brave
- 2brave
- Showing courage and spirit in a difficult situation.Also: courageous, spirited, bold.
“Fearúil” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is fearúil after guth (voice, masculine), after cuma (appearance, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: cuma fhearúil. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: guth fearúil.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, fearúla. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: cumaí fearúla.
Manlier, manliest, very manly
Tá a dheartháir níos fearúla ná é. His brother is more manly than him.
| manlier | níos fearúla | in the past tense: ní b'fhearúla |
|---|---|---|
| manliest | is fearúla | in the past tense: ab fhearúla |
| as manly as | chomh fearúil le | no change after chomh |
| very manly | an-fhearúil | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too manly | rófhearúil | ró- lenites |
“Fearúil” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Manly in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for manly?
The Irish for manly is fearúil (pronounced “FAR-ool”). It comes after the noun: guth fearúil, a manly voice; cuma fhearúil, a manly appearance.
How do you say manlier and manliest in Irish?
níos fearúla is manlier and is fearúla is manliest. In the past tense they become ní b'fhearúla and ab fhearúla.
Why does fearúil become fhearúil?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So cuma fhearúil (a manly appearance) but guth fearúil (a manly voice), because guth is masculine.
What is the plural of fearúil?
With a plural noun fearúil becomes fearúla: guthanna fearúla, cumaí fearúla.
How do you say very manly in Irish?
an-fhearúil. Too manly is rófhearúil, and as manly as is chomh fearúil le.
Does fearúil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fearúil can mean manly or brave, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'fearúil' and 'fireann'?
'Fearúil' means manly in character or appearance, while 'fireann' means male in sex or masculine in grammar, as in 'inscne fhireann'.
What is the feminine counterpart of 'fearúil'?
The corresponding word is 'banúil', meaning womanly or ladylike.
