HeyRuaHow to say “singer” in Irish
- Irish:
- fonnadóir
- English:
- singer, lilter
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FUN-uh-dohr” /ˈfˠʊn̪ˠəd̪ˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- fonnadóirí (singers)
- Genitive singular:
- fonnadóra, an fhonnadóra (e.g. guth an fhonnadóra, the singer's voice)
- Genitive plural:
- fonnadoirí, na bhfonnadoirí (e.g. comórtas na bhfonnadóirí, the singers' competition)
What does “fonnadóir” mean?
“Fonnadóir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- singer
- A person who sings, especially a singer of traditional Irish songs.Also: traditional singer, sean-nós singer, vocalist.
1 other meaning: lilter
- 2lilter
- A person who lilts, singing a tune without words.Also: lilting singer.
Other Irish words for singer: amhránaí (singer)
“Fonnadóir” with the article
The plural of singer in Irish is fonnadóirí. Here is fonnadóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fonnadóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fonnadóir, the Irish word for singer.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Singer in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for singer?
The Irish for singer is fonnadóir (pronounced “FUN-uh-dohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fonnadóirí. Depending on context it can also mean lilter.
How do you pronounce fonnadóir in Irish?
Fonnadóir is said like “FUN-uh-dohr” (IPA /ˈfˠʊn̪ˠəd̪ˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of singer in Irish?
The plural of fonnadóir is fonnadóirí; with the article, na fonnadóirí means “the singers”. The genitive plural is fonnadoirí, as in comórtas na bhfonnadóirí (the singers' competition).
Does fonnadóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fonnadóir can mean singer or lilter, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fonnadóir change to fhonnadóir or bhfonnadóir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fonnadóir becomes m'fhonnadóir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfonnadóir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between fonnadóir and amhránaí?
Amhránaí is the general word for a singer, while fonnadóir is often used of a traditional singer or of someone who lilts a tune (fonn).
