Seeing in Irish (Feiceáil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for seeing?

The Irish for seeing is feiceáil (pronounced “FECK-awl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean visibility or appearance.

Q: Does feiceáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Feiceáil can mean seeing, visibility or appearance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “seeing” in Irish

Irish:: feiceáil
English:: seeing, visibility, appearance
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: feic, to see (ag feiceáil, seeing)
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “FECK-awl” /ˈfʲɛcaːlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: feiceála, na feiceála (e.g. cumas feiceála, ability to see)

What does “feiceáil” mean?

“Feiceáil” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

seeing: The act of seeing something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'feic' (see).Also: sight, to see, viewing.

2 other meanings: visibility or appearance

2visibility: The state of being able to be seen, or how well something can be seen.Also: sight, view.
3appearance: The way something or someone looks.Also: look, aspect.

“Feiceáil” as a verbal noun

After ag, feiceáil means seeing: it is the verbal noun of the verb feic (to see). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

feiceáilverbal noun

ag feiceáilseeing

“Feiceáil” with the article

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

an fheiceáil

the seeing

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Feiceáil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using feiceáil, the Irish word for seeing.

Tá súil agam tú a fheiceáil amárach.

I hope to see you tomorrow.

Ní raibh sé le feiceáil in áit ar bith.

He was nowhere to be seen.

Ní raibh mórán le feiceáil mar gheall ar an gceo.

There wasn't much to be seen because of the fog.

Chuaigh siad isteach sa teach gan fheiceáil.

They went into the house unseen.

Ba bhreá liom an scannán sin a fheiceáil.

I would love to see that film.

Bhí na sléibhte le feiceáil go soiléir inniu.

The mountains could be seen clearly today.

Níl an teach le feiceáil ón mbóthar.

The house can't be seen from the road.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Seeing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for seeing?

The Irish for seeing is feiceáil (pronounced “FECK-awl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean visibility or appearance.

How do you pronounce feiceáil in Irish?

Feiceáil is said like “FECK-awl” (IPA /ˈfʲɛcaːlʲ/).

Does feiceáil have a plural?

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

Does feiceáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Feiceáil can mean seeing, visibility or appearance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does feiceáil change to fheiceáil or bhfeiceáil?

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

Is 'feiceáil' the only verbal noun of 'feic'?

No. 'Feiceáil' is the standard form, but Munster Irish commonly uses 'feiscint', as in 'é a fheiscint'.

How do I say 'visible' using this word?

Use 'le feiceáil', as in 'Tá an sliabh le feiceáil inniu' (the mountain is visible today).

Seeing in Irish (Feiceáil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage