Problem in Irish (Fadhb): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for problem?

The Irish for problem is fadhb (pronounced “fyb”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fadhbanna. Depending on context it can also mean knot.

Q: What is the plural of problem in Irish?

The plural of fadhb is fadhbanna; with the article, na fadhbanna means “the problems”. The genitive plural is fadhbanna, as in réiteach na bhfadhbanna (the solving of the problems).

Q: Does fadhb have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fadhb can mean problem or knot, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “problem” in Irish

Irish:: fadhb
English:: problem, knot
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “fyb” /fˠəibˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: fadhbanna (problems)
Genitive singular:: faidhbe, na faidhbe (e.g. réiteach na faidhbe, the solution of the problem)
Genitive plural:: fadhbanna, na bhfadhbanna (e.g. réiteach na bhfadhbanna, the solving of the problems)

What does “fadhb” mean?

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

problem: A difficulty or question that needs to be dealt with or solved.Also: difficulty, issue, trouble, poser.

1 other meaning: knot

2knot: A hard knot in timber, or a hard lump such as a callus or a lump raised by a blow.Also: lump, callus, callosity.

Other Irish words for problem: deacracht (difficulty), trioblóid (trouble)

“Fadhb” with the article

The plural of problem in Irish is fadhbanna. Here is fadhb after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhadhb

the problem

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fadhbanna

the problems

Plural: no change after na

“Fadhb” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fadhb, the Irish word for problem.

Fadhb mhór é seo.

This is a big problem.

Cén fhadhb atá agat?

What's your problem?

Cad is cúis leis an bhfadhb?

What is causing the problem?

Tá go leor fadhbanna sa scoil sin.

That school has a lot of problems.

Ní fadhb ar bith é sin.

That's no problem at all.

Labhair mé leis an dochtúir faoi m'fhadhb.

I spoke to the doctor about my problem.

Tá fadhb leis an ríomhaire arís.

There's a problem with the computer again.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Problem in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for problem?

The Irish for problem is fadhb (pronounced “fyb”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fadhbanna. Depending on context it can also mean knot.

How do you pronounce fadhb in Irish?

Fadhb is said like “fyb” (IPA /fˠəibˠ/).

What is the plural of problem in Irish?

The plural of fadhb is fadhbanna; with the article, na fadhbanna means “the problems”. The genitive plural is fadhbanna, as in réiteach na bhfadhbanna (the solving of the problems).

Does fadhb have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fadhb can mean problem or knot, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fadhb change to fhadhb or bhfadhb?

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

How do I say 'no problem' in Irish?

Common ways are 'Níl fadhb ar bith ann' or 'fadhb dá laghad', and many speakers also say 'Ná bac leis'.

What is the difference between 'fadhb' and 'deacracht'?

'Fadhb' is a problem to be solved, while 'deacracht' is a difficulty or hardship in general; they often overlap.

Problem in Irish (Fadhb): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage