Sheath in Irish (Faighin): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for sheath?

The Irish for sheath is faighin (pronounced “FY-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is faighneacha. Depending on context it can also mean pod or vagina.

Q: What is the plural of sheath in Irish?

The plural of faighin is faighneacha; with the article, na faighneacha means “the sheaths”. The genitive plural is faighneacha, as in déantóir na bhfaighneacha (the maker of the sheaths).

Q: Does faighin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Faighin can mean sheath, pod or vagina, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sheath” in Irish

Irish:: faighin
English:: sheath, pod, vagina
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “FY-in” /ˈfˠaɪnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: faighneacha (sheaths)
Genitive singular:: faighne, na faighne (e.g. béal na faighne, the mouth of the sheath)
Genitive plural:: faighneacha, na bhfaighneacha (e.g. déantóir na bhfaighneacha, the maker of the sheaths)

What does “faighin” mean?

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

sheath: A close-fitting cover for the blade of a knife or sword.Also: scabbard, case.

2 other meanings: pod or vagina

2pod: A natural sheath or case, such as the pod or shell of a seed or plant.Also: shell, husk, case.
3vagina: The passage in the female body leading from the womb to the outside.

“Faighin” with the article

The plural of sheath in Irish is faighneacha. Here is faighin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhaighin

the sheath

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na faighneacha

the sheaths

Plural: no change after na

“Faighin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using faighin, the Irish word for sheath.

Chuir sé an scian ar ais ina faighin.

He put the knife back in its sheath.

Tharraing an saighdiúir an claíomh as an bhfaighin.

The soldier drew the sword from the scabbard.

Tá faighin leathair ag an scian seo.

This knife has a leather sheath.

Bhí an fhaighin briste agus scaoileadh an lann.

The sheath was broken and the blade came loose.

Bhain sí na piseanna as na faighneacha.

She took the peas out of the pods.

Bhí dath donn ar leathar na faighne.

The leather of the sheath was brown.

Tá an fhaighin mar chuid den chóras atáirgthe.

The vagina is part of the reproductive system.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sheath in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sheath?

The Irish for sheath is faighin (pronounced “FY-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is faighneacha. Depending on context it can also mean pod or vagina.

How do you pronounce faighin in Irish?

Faighin is said like “FY-in” (IPA /ˈfˠaɪnʲ/).

What is the plural of sheath in Irish?

The plural of faighin is faighneacha; with the article, na faighneacha means “the sheaths”. The genitive plural is faighneacha, as in déantóir na bhfaighneacha (the maker of the sheaths).

Does faighin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Faighin can mean sheath, pod or vagina, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does faighin change to fhaighin or bhfaighin?

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

Is there another word for scabbard?

Yes, 'truaill' is also used for a sword's scabbard, while 'faighin' covers sheaths in general.

Sheath in Irish (Faighin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage