Sound in Irish (Fuaim): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for sound?

The Irish for sound is fuaim (pronounced “foo-um”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fuaimeanna. Depending on context it can also mean noise or speech sound.

Q: What is the plural of sound in Irish?

The plural of fuaim is fuaimeanna; with the article, na fuaimeanna means “the sounds”. The genitive plural is fuaimeanna, as in taifead na bhfuaimeanna (the recording of the sounds).

Q: Does fuaim have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fuaim can mean sound, noise or speech sound, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sound” in Irish

Irish:: fuaim
English:: sound, noise, speech sound
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “foo-um” /fˠuəmʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: fuaimeanna (sounds)
Genitive singular:: fuaime, na fuaime (e.g. luas na fuaime, the speed of sound)
Genitive plural:: fuaimeanna, na bhfuaimeanna (e.g. taifead na bhfuaimeanna, the recording of the sounds)

What does “fuaim” mean?

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

sound: Anything that can be heard, such as a voice, music or a noise.Also: noise, audio.

2 other meanings: noise or speech sound

2noise: A loud or confused sound, a din or clamour.Also: clamour, din.
3speech sound: A sound of a language, as made when pronouncing a letter or word.Also: phonetic sound, pronunciation.

Other Irish words for sound: fónta (sound)

“Fuaim” with the article

The plural of sound in Irish is fuaimeanna. Here is fuaim after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhuaim

the sound

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fuaimeanna

the sounds

Plural: no change after na

“Fuaim” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fuaim, the Irish word for sound.

Chuala mé fuaim aisteach san oíche.

I heard a strange sound in the night.

Bhí an fhuaim ró-ard ar an teilifís.

The sound on the television was too loud.

Ní raibh fuaim ar bith sa teach.

There wasn't a sound in the house.

Is maith liom fuaimeanna na farraige.

I like the sounds of the sea.

Bhí sé ag obair mar innealtóir fuaime.

He was working as a sound engineer.

Tá fadhb leis an bhfuaim i mo chluasáin.

There's a problem with the sound in my headphones.

Níl an fhuaim sin againn sa Bhéarla.

We don't have that sound in English.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sound in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sound?

The Irish for sound is fuaim (pronounced “foo-um”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fuaimeanna. Depending on context it can also mean noise or speech sound.

How do you pronounce fuaim in Irish?

Fuaim is said like “foo-um” (IPA /fˠuəmʲ/).

What is the plural of sound in Irish?

The plural of fuaim is fuaimeanna; with the article, na fuaimeanna means “the sounds”. The genitive plural is fuaimeanna, as in taifead na bhfuaimeanna (the recording of the sounds).

Does fuaim have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fuaim can mean sound, noise or speech sound, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fuaim change to fhuaim or bhfuaim?

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

What is the difference between fuaim and torann?

Fuaim is any sound at all, while torann means noise, usually loud or unwelcome. A quiet sound is fuaim but not usually torann.

How do I say 'pronunciation' using this word?

Use fuaimniú, from the verb fuaimnigh 'to pronounce', for example 'Tá fuaimniú maith aici'.

Sound in Irish (Fuaim): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage