HeyRuaHow to say “ring” in Irish
- Irish:
- fáinne
- English:
- ring, circle, ringlet, fáinne badge
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAWN-yuh” /ˈfˠaːnʲə/
- Plural:
- fáinní
- Genitive singular:
- fáinne, an fháinne (e.g. luach an fháinne, the value of the ring)
- Genitive plural:
- fáinní, na bhfáinní (e.g. bosca na bhfáinní, the ring box)
What does “fáinne” mean?
“Fáinne” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ring
- A small circular band, usually of metal, worn on the finger or used to hold things.Also: finger ring, band, wedding ring.
3 other meanings: circle or ringlet or fáinne badge
- 2circle
- A round shape or circular formation, such as people standing in a ring or a ring around the moon.Also: ring, circular shape, halo.
- 3ringlet
- A curl or ringlet of hair.Also: curl, lock of hair.
- 4fáinne badge
- A small ring-shaped pin worn on clothing to show that the wearer speaks Irish.Also: fáinne, Irish speaker badge, language pin.
Other Irish words for ring: ciorcal (circle)
“Fáinne” with the article
The plural of ring in Irish is fáinní. Here is fáinne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fáinne” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fáinne, the Irish word for ring.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ring in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ring?
The Irish for ring is fáinne (pronounced “FAWN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fáinní. Depending on context it can also mean circle or ringlet or fáinne badge.
How do you pronounce fáinne in Irish?
Fáinne is said like “FAWN-yuh” (IPA /ˈfˠaːnʲə/).
What is the plural of ring in Irish?
The plural of fáinne is fáinní; with the article, it is na fáinní. The genitive plural is fáinní, as in bosca na bhfáinní (the ring box).
Does fáinne have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fáinne can mean ring, circle, ringlet or fáinne badge, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fáinne change to fháinne or bhfáinne?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fáinne becomes m'fháinne (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfáinne (eclipsis).
What is 'an Fáinne'?
An Fáinne is a small ring-shaped badge worn to show you speak Irish; a gold fáinne óir marks a fluent speaker and a silver fáinne airgid a learner.
How do I say 'circle' as a shape in maths?
For the geometric shape use ciorcal; fáinne is used for rings and for people or things arranged in a ring.
