HeyRuaHow to say “source” in Irish
- Irish:
- foinse
- English:
- source, spring
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FWIN-shuh” /ˈfˠɪnʲʃə/
- Plural:
- foinsí (sources)
- Genitive singular:
- foinse, na foinse (e.g. ainm na foinse, the name of the source)
- Genitive plural:
- foinsí, na bhfoinsí (e.g. liosta na bhfoinsí, the list of sources)
What does “foinse” mean?
“Foinse” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- source
- The place, person or thing that something comes from, such as information or energy.Also: origin, origin point.
“Foinse” with the article
The plural of source in Irish is foinsí. Here is foinse after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Foinse” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using foinse, the Irish word for source.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Source in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for source?
The Irish for source is foinse (pronounced “FWIN-shuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is foinsí. Depending on context it can also mean spring.
How do you pronounce foinse in Irish?
Foinse is said like “FWIN-shuh” (IPA /ˈfˠɪnʲʃə/).
What is the plural of source in Irish?
The plural of foinse is foinsí; with the article, na foinsí means “the sources”. The genitive plural is foinsí, as in liosta na bhfoinsí (the list of sources).
Does foinse have more than one meaning?
Yes. Foinse can mean source or spring, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does foinse change to fhoinse or bhfoinse?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) foinse becomes m'fhoinse (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfoinse (eclipsis).
What is the difference between foinse and bunús?
Foinse is a source that something comes from, like information or energy, while bunús means origin or basis, as in bunús an fhocail (the origin of the word).
