HeyRuaHow to say “sea” in Irish
- Irish:
- farraige
- English:
- sea, swell
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAR-ig-uh” /ˈfˠaɾˠəɟə/
- Plural:
- farraigí (seas)
- Genitive singular:
- farraige, na farraige (e.g. cois na farraige, beside the sea)
- Genitive plural:
- farraigí, na bhfarraigí (e.g. ar fud na bhfarraigí, throughout the seas)
What does “farraige” mean?
“Farraige” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sea
- The large body of salt water that covers much of the earth's surface.Also: ocean, the deep, seaside.
“Farraige” with the article
The plural of sea in Irish is farraigí. Here is farraige after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Farraige” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using farraige, the Irish word for sea.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sea in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sea?
The Irish for sea is farraige (pronounced “FAR-ig-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is farraigí. Depending on context it can also mean swell.
How do you pronounce farraige in Irish?
Farraige is said like “FAR-ig-uh” (IPA /ˈfˠaɾˠəɟə/).
What is the plural of sea in Irish?
The plural of farraige is farraigí; with the article, na farraigí means “the seas”. The genitive plural is farraigí, as in ar fud na bhfarraigí (throughout the seas).
Does farraige have more than one meaning?
Yes. Farraige can mean sea or swell, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does farraige change to fharraige or bhfarraige?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) farraige becomes m'fharraige (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfarraige (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'farraige' and 'muir'?
'Farraige' is the everyday word for the sea, while 'muir' is more literary and appears in set phrases like 'thar muir' (overseas).
How do I say 'at the seaside'?
Use 'cois farraige', for example 'Bhíomar ar saoire cois farraige' (We were on holiday at the seaside).
