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Spring in Irish (Fuarán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘fuarán’ also means: fountain

The Irish for spring is fuarán, a masculine noun (plural fuaráin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “spring” in Irish

Irish:
fuarán
English:
spring, fountain
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“FOOR-awn”  /ˈfˠuəɾˠɑːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
fuaráin
Genitive singular:
fuaráin, an fhuaráin (e.g. uisce an fhuaráin, the water of the spring)
Genitive plural:
fuarán, na bhfuarán (e.g. uisce na bhfuarán, the water of the springs)

What does “fuarán” mean?

“Fuarán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

spring
A natural source of cool water flowing up from the ground.Also: fountain, water source, wellspring.
1 other meaning: fountain
2fountain
A structure that sends up a stream of water, as in a park or square.Also: drinking fountain, water fountain.

Other Irish words for spring: earrach (spring), sprionga (spring)

“Fuarán” with the article

The plural of spring in Irish is fuaráin. Here is fuarán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fuarán
the spring
No change after an
na fuaráin
the spring (plural)
Plural: no change after na

“Fuarán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fuarán, the Irish word for spring.

Tá fuarán beag ag bun an chnoic.
There is a small spring at the foot of the hill.
D'ól sé deoch as an bhfuarán.
He took a drink from the spring.
Bhí uisce an fhuaráin fuar glan.
The spring water was cold and clean.
Tá a lán fuarán sa cheantar seo.
There are lots of springs in this area.
Tá fuaráin áille sa pháirc sin.
There are beautiful fountains in that park.
Chuir na páistí boinn san fhuarán.
The children put coins in the fountain.
Thriomaigh an fuarán i rith an tsamhraidh.
The spring dried up during the summer.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Spring in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spring?

The Irish for spring is fuarán (pronounced “FOOR-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fuaráin. Depending on context it can also mean fountain.

How do you pronounce fuarán in Irish?

Fuarán is said like “FOOR-awn” (IPA /ˈfˠuəɾˠɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of spring in Irish?

The plural of fuarán is fuaráin; with the article, it is na fuaráin. The genitive plural is fuarán, as in uisce na bhfuarán (the water of the springs).

Does fuarán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fuarán can mean spring or fountain, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fuarán change to fhuarán or bhfuarán?

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

What is the difference between fuarán and tobar?

A 'tobar' is a well, often dug or enclosed, while a 'fuarán' is a natural spring where water rises, or an ornamental fountain.

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