Root in Irish (Fréamh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for root?

The Irish for root is fréamh (pronounced “frayv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fréamhacha. Depending on context it can also mean source or stock.

Q: What is the plural of root in Irish?

The plural of fréamh is fréamhacha; with the article, na fréamhacha means “the roots”. The genitive plural is fréamhacha, as in fás na bhfréamhacha (the growth of the roots).

Q: Does fréamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fréamh can mean root, source or stock, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “root” in Irish

Irish:: fréamh
English:: root, source, stock
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “frayv” /fʲɾʲeːvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: fréamhacha (roots)
Genitive singular:: fréimhe, na fréimhe (e.g. barr na fréimhe, the top of the root)
Genitive plural:: fréamhacha, na bhfréamhacha (e.g. fás na bhfréamhacha, the growth of the roots)

What does “fréamh” mean?

“Fréamh” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

root: The part of a plant that grows down into the soil and takes in water and food.Also: plant root, rootstock.

3 other meanings: source or stock

2source: The origin or basic cause of something.Also: origin, root cause, basis.
3stock: A person's family line, race or descent.Also: race, descent, lineage.
4root: In maths, a number that gives a stated number when multiplied by itself; also a word root in grammar.Also: radical, square root, word root.

Other Irish words for root: rúta (root)

“Fréamh” with the article

The plural of root in Irish is fréamhacha. Here is fréamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhréamh

the root

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fréamhacha

the roots

Plural: no change after na

“Fréamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fréamh, the Irish word for root.

Tá fréamh an chrainn sin an-domhain.

That tree's root is very deep.

Bhain sé an planda as an talamh lena fhréamhacha.

He pulled the plant out of the ground, roots and all.

Is é an t-airgead fréamh gach oilc.

Money is the root of all evil.

Tá a fhréamhacha i gCorcaigh.

His roots are in Cork.

Ní mór uisce a thabhairt do na fréamhacha.

The roots need to be watered.

Tá an lobhadh sa fhréamh féin.

The rot is in the root itself.

Cad é fréamh chearnach a naoi?

What is the square root of nine?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Root in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for root?

The Irish for root is fréamh (pronounced “frayv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fréamhacha. Depending on context it can also mean source or stock.

How do you pronounce fréamh in Irish?

Fréamh is said like “frayv” (IPA /fʲɾʲeːvˠ/).

What is the plural of root in Irish?

The plural of fréamh is fréamhacha; with the article, na fréamhacha means “the roots”. The genitive plural is fréamhacha, as in fás na bhfréamhacha (the growth of the roots).

Does fréamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fréamh can mean root, source or stock, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fréamh change to fhréamh or bhfréamh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fréamh becomes mo fhréamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfréamh (eclipsis).

How do I say a plant takes root?

Use the verb fréamhaigh, for example 'D'fhréamhaigh an crann go maith', the tree took root well.

Root in Irish (Fréamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage