HeyRuaHow to say “opportunity” in Irish
- Irish:
- faill
- English:
- opportunity, neglect, respite
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fyl” /fˠalʲ/
- Plural:
- failleanna (opportunities)
- Genitive singular:
- faille, na faille (e.g. in am na faille, at the time of opportunity)
- Genitive plural:
- failleanna, na bhfailleanna (e.g. tapú na bhfailleanna, seizing the opportunities)
What does “faill” mean?
“Faill” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- opportunity
- A chance or suitable moment to do something.Also: chance, occasion, time.
2 other meanings: neglect or respite
- 2neglect
- Failure to give something proper attention; an omission or negligence.Also: negligence, omission, oversight.
- 3respite
- A pause or let-up, a break from activity or pressure.Also: let-up, pause, break.
Other Irish words for opportunity: seans (chance)
“Faill” with the article
The plural of opportunity in Irish is failleanna. Here is faill after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Faill” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using faill, the Irish word for opportunity.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Opportunity in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for opportunity?
The Irish for opportunity is faill (pronounced “fyl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is failleanna. Depending on context it can also mean neglect or respite.
How do you pronounce faill in Irish?
Faill is said like “fyl” (IPA /fˠalʲ/).
What is the plural of opportunity in Irish?
The plural of faill is failleanna; with the article, na failleanna means “the opportunities”. The genitive plural is failleanna, as in tapú na bhfailleanna (seizing the opportunities).
Does faill have more than one meaning?
Yes. Faill can mean opportunity, neglect or respite, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does faill change to fhaill or bhfaill?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) faill becomes m'fhaill (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfaill (eclipsis).
What is the difference between faill and faillí?
Faill usually means a chance or opportunity, as in 'níl faill agam', while faillí means neglect, as in 'faillí a dhéanamh i rud'.
Is faill the same as aill, a cliff?
No. Aill means a cliff; faill means an opportunity or spare time.
