HeyRua Get the app

Relief in Irish (Faoiseamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘faoiseamh’ also means: respite

The Irish for relief is faoiseamh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “relief” in Irish

Irish:
faoiseamh
English:
relief, respite
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“FWEE-shuv”  /ˈfˠiːʃəvˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
faoisimh, an fhaoisimh (e.g. mothú an fhaoisimh, the feeling of relief)

What does “faoiseamh” mean?

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

relief
A feeling of ease when pain, worry or pressure is lifted.Also: ease, alleviation, respite.
1 other meaning: respite
2respite
A rest or break from work, hardship or trouble.Also: rest, break, reprieve.

“Faoiseamh” with the article

Here is faoiseamh after the article (an t-alt).

an faoiseamh
the relief
No change after an

“Faoiseamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using faoiseamh, the Irish word for relief.

Lig sí osna faoisimh nuair a chonaic sí é.
She let out a sigh of relief when she saw him.
Thug an cógas faoiseamh dom ón bpian.
The medicine gave me relief from the pain.
Ba mhór an faoiseamh é an scrúdú a bheith thart.
It was a great relief that the exam was over.
Fuaireamar faoiseamh ón bhfuacht cois tine.
We got relief from the cold by the fire.
Níl faoiseamh ar bith le fáil ón obair seo.
There's no respite at all from this work.
Bhraith mé faoiseamh nuair a ghlaoigh sí orm.
I felt relieved when she rang me.
Is beag faoiseamh atá ag na feirmeoirí i mbliana.
The farmers have had little respite this year.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Relief in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for relief?

The Irish for relief is faoiseamh (pronounced “FWEE-shuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean respite.

How do you pronounce faoiseamh in Irish?

Faoiseamh is said like “FWEE-shuv” (IPA /ˈfˠiːʃəvˠ/).

Does faoiseamh have a plural?

No plural form is given for faoiseamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does faoiseamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Faoiseamh can mean relief or respite, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does faoiseamh change to fhaoiseamh or bhfaoiseamh?

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

How do I say 'what a relief!' in Irish?

You can say 'Is mór an faoiseamh é!' or 'Míle buíochas le Dia!' depending on context.

Is 'faoiseamh' used for relief aid, like disaster relief?

Not usually; for aid you would use 'fóirithint', as in 'fóirithint ar thubaiste'. 'Faoiseamh' is the feeling or easing of pain or worry.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like faoiseamh through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen