Prophecy in Irish (Fáistine): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for prophecy?

The Irish for prophecy is fáistine (pronounced “FAWSH-tin-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fáistiní. Depending on context it can also mean divination.

Q: What is the plural of prophecy in Irish?

The plural of fáistine is fáistiní; with the article, na fáistiní means “the prophecies”. The genitive plural is fáistiní, as in leabhar na bhfáistiní (the book of the prophecies).

Q: Does fáistine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fáistine can mean prophecy or divination, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “prophecy” in Irish

Irish:: fáistine
English:: prophecy, divination
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FAWSH-tin-yuh” /ˈfˠaːʃtʲɪnʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: fáistiní (prophecies)
Genitive singular:: fáistine, na fáistine (e.g. bua na fáistine, the gift of prophecy)
Genitive plural:: fáistiní, na bhfáistiní (e.g. leabhar na bhfáistiní, the book of the prophecies)

What does “fáistine” mean?

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

prophecy: A statement foretelling what will happen in the future, or the act of prophesying.Also: prophesying, prediction, foretelling.

1 other meaning: divination

2divination: The practice of trying to tell the future by supernatural means, such as fortune-telling.Also: soothsaying, fortune-telling.

“Fáistine” with the article

The plural of prophecy in Irish is fáistiní. Here is fáistine after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fháistine

the prophecy

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fáistiní

the prophecies

Plural: no change after na

“Fáistine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fáistine, the Irish word for prophecy.

Bhí bua na fáistine aici, dar le daoine.

People said she had the gift of prophecy.

Tháinig an fháistine sin fíor sa deireadh.

That prophecy came true in the end.

Ní chreidim i bhfáistine ar chor ar bith.

I don't believe in fortune-telling at all.

Rinne sé fáistine faoin aimsir.

He made a prediction about the weather.

Tá go leor fáistiní sa Bhíobla.

There are many prophecies in the Bible.

Léigh sí fáistiní Cholm Cille.

She read the prophecies of Colm Cille.

Bhí eagla orthu roimh an bhfáistine.

They were afraid of the prophecy.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Prophecy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for prophecy?

The Irish for prophecy is fáistine (pronounced “FAWSH-tin-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fáistiní. Depending on context it can also mean divination.

How do you pronounce fáistine in Irish?

Fáistine is said like “FAWSH-tin-yuh” (IPA /ˈfˠaːʃtʲɪnʲə/).

What is the plural of prophecy in Irish?

The plural of fáistine is fáistiní; with the article, na fáistiní means “the prophecies”. The genitive plural is fáistiní, as in leabhar na bhfáistiní (the book of the prophecies).

Does fáistine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fáistine can mean prophecy or divination, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fáistine change to fháistine or bhfáistine?

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

What is the difference between fáistine and tairngreacht?

Both mean prophecy; tairngreacht is often used for religious or biblical prophecy, while fáistine also covers fortune-telling and divination.

Prophecy in Irish (Fáistine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage