HeyRuaHow to say “pronoun” in Irish
- Irish:
- forainm
- English:
- pronoun, cognomen
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FOR-an-im” /ˈfˠɔɾˠanʲəmʲ/
- Plural:
- forainmneacha (pronouns)
- Genitive singular:
- forainm, an fhorainm (e.g. foirm an fhorainm, the form of the pronoun)
- Genitive plural:
- forainmneacha, na bhforainmneacha (e.g. liosta na bhforainmneacha, the list of pronouns)
What does “forainm” mean?
“Forainm” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pronoun
- A word such as 'mé', 'tú' or 'sé' that stands in place of a noun.Also: personal pronoun.
1 other meaning: cognomen
- 2cognomen
- An additional name or surname given to a person, often to distinguish them from others of the same name.Also: nickname, byname, epithet.
“Forainm” with the article
The plural of pronoun in Irish is forainmneacha. Here is forainm after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Forainm” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using forainm, the Irish word for pronoun.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pronoun in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pronoun?
The Irish for pronoun is forainm (pronounced “FOR-an-im”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is forainmneacha. Depending on context it can also mean cognomen.
How do you pronounce forainm in Irish?
Forainm is said like “FOR-an-im” (IPA /ˈfˠɔɾˠanʲəmʲ/).
What is the plural of pronoun in Irish?
The plural of forainm is forainmneacha; with the article, na forainmneacha means “the pronouns”. The genitive plural is forainmneacha, as in liosta na bhforainmneacha (the list of pronouns).
Does forainm have more than one meaning?
Yes. Forainm can mean pronoun or cognomen, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does forainm change to fhorainm or bhforainm?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) forainm becomes m'fhorainm (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforainm (eclipsis).
What is a 'forainm réamhfhoclach'?
It is a preposition combined with a pronoun in one word, such as 'agam' (at me) or 'liom' (with me).
Is 'forainm' the same as 'leasainm'?
No. In everyday use 'forainm' means a pronoun, while a nickname is normally 'leasainm'.
