HeyRuaHow to say “shoulder” in Irish
- Irish:
- formna
- English:
- shoulder, best part
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “FOR-uh-nuh” /ˈfˠɔɾˠənˠə/
- Plural:
- formnaí (shoulders)
- Genitive singular:
- formna, an fhormna (e.g. cnámh an fhormna, the shoulder bone)
- Genitive plural:
- formnaí, na bhformnaí (e.g. leithead na bhformnaí, the breadth of the shoulders)
What does “formna” mean?
“Formna” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shoulder
- The top part of the body between the neck and the arm; usually the shoulders or back as a whole.Also: shoulders, upper back.
1 other meaning: best part
- 2best part
- The greater or best part of something, as in 'formna na tíre', the pick of the country.Also: greater part, pick, choice.
Other Irish words for shoulder: gualainn (shoulder)
“Formna” with the article
The plural of shoulder in Irish is formnaí. Here is formna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Formna” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using formna, the Irish word for shoulder.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shoulder in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shoulder?
The Irish for shoulder is formna (pronounced “FOR-uh-nuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is formnaí. Depending on context it can also mean best part.
How do you pronounce formna in Irish?
Formna is said like “FOR-uh-nuh” (IPA /ˈfˠɔɾˠənˠə/).
What is the plural of shoulder in Irish?
The plural of formna is formnaí; with the article, na formnaí means “the shoulders”. The genitive plural is formnaí, as in leithead na bhformnaí (the breadth of the shoulders).
Does formna have more than one meaning?
Yes. Formna can mean shoulder or best part, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does formna change to fhormna or bhformna?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) formna becomes m'fhormna (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhformna (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'formna' and 'gualainn'?
'Gualainn' is the everyday word for a shoulder, while 'formna' refers more to the shoulders and upper back together and is also used figuratively for the best part of something.
