Mite in Irish (Fíneog): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for mite?

The Irish for mite is fíneog (pronounced “FEE-nyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fíneoga. Depending on context it can also mean tiny creature.

Q: What is the plural of mite in Irish?

The plural of fíneog is fíneoga; with the article, na fíneoga means “the mites”. The genitive plural is fíneog, as in plá na bhfíneog (the mite infestation).

Q: Does fíneog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fíneog can mean mite or tiny creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “mite” in Irish

Irish:: fíneog
English:: mite, tiny creature
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “FEE-nyohg” /ˈfʲiːnʲoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: fíneoga (mites)
Genitive singular:: fíneoige, na fíneoige (e.g. cos na fíneoige, the leg of the mite)
Genitive plural:: fíneog, na bhfíneog (e.g. plá na bhfíneog, the mite infestation)

What does “fíneog” mean?

“Fíneog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

mite: A tiny creature related to spiders, such as the cheese mite, often too small to see easily.Also: cheese mite, tiny insect, acarid.

1 other meaning: tiny creature

2tiny creature: Used figuratively for a very small person or thing.Also: mite, tiny thing, little creature.

“Fíneog” with the article

The plural of mite in Irish is fíneoga. Here is fíneog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhíneog

the mite

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fíneoga

the mites

Plural: no change after na

“Fíneog” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fíneog, the Irish word for mite.

Is ainmhí an-bheag í an fhíneog.

The mite is a very small creature.

Bhí fíneoga ar fud an cháise.

There were mites all over the cheese.

Ní féidir fíneog a fheiceáil gan ghloine formhéadúcháin.

You can't see a mite without a magnifying glass.

Tá fíneoga deannaigh i ngach teach.

There are dust mites in every house.

Rinne an t-eolaí staidéar ar chorp na fíneoige.

The scientist studied the body of the mite.

Is cineál fíneoige é an sceartán.

The tick is a kind of mite.

Chuir na fíneoga isteach ar na beacha.

The mites harmed the bees.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

rúnsecret BéarlaEnglish óldrinking gníomhaction ollscoiluniversity siopashop

Mite in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mite?

The Irish for mite is fíneog (pronounced “FEE-nyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fíneoga. Depending on context it can also mean tiny creature.

How do you pronounce fíneog in Irish?

Fíneog is said like “FEE-nyohg” (IPA /ˈfʲiːnʲoːɡ/).

What is the plural of mite in Irish?

The plural of fíneog is fíneoga; with the article, na fíneoga means “the mites”. The genitive plural is fíneog, as in plá na bhfíneog (the mite infestation).

Does fíneog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fíneog can mean mite or tiny creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fíneog change to fhíneog or bhfíneog?

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

Is 'fíneog' related to 'fíon' (wine)?

No, 'fíneog' means a mite and has nothing to do with 'fíon' or 'fíniúin' (vine).

Mite in Irish (Fíneog): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage