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Suspense in Irish (Fionraíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘fionraíocht’ also means: waiting

The Irish for suspense is fionraíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “suspense” in Irish

Irish:
fionraíocht
English:
suspense, waiting
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“FYIN-ree-ukht”  /ˈfʲɪnˠɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
fionraíochta, na fionraíochta (e.g. scannán fionraíochta, a suspense film)

What does “fionraíocht” mean?

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

suspense
A state of anxious uncertainty while waiting to find out what will happen.Also: anticipation, tension, uncertainty.
1 other meaning: waiting
2waiting
The act of waiting or remaining in expectation, being kept on hold.Also: expectation, abeyance.

“Fionraíocht” with the article

Here is fionraíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an fhionraíocht
the suspense
Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Fionraíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fionraíocht, the Irish word for suspense.

Bhí fionraíocht mhór ann roimh an toradh.
There was great suspense before the result.
Choinnigh an scéal an fhionraíocht go dtí an deireadh.
The story kept up the suspense until the end.
Is maith liom úrscéalta fionraíochta.
I like suspense novels.
Ná coinnigh i bhfionraíocht sinn níos faide.
Don't keep us in suspense any longer.
Bhí mé i bhfionraíocht ar feadh na hoíche.
I was in suspense all night.
Ní raibh mé in ann an fhionraíocht a sheasamh.
I couldn't bear the suspense.
Tá go leor fionraíochta sa chluiche seo.
There's a lot of suspense in this match.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Suspense in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for suspense?

The Irish for suspense is fionraíocht (pronounced “FYIN-ree-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean waiting.

How do you pronounce fionraíocht in Irish?

Fionraíocht is said like “FYIN-ree-ukht” (IPA /ˈfʲɪnˠɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does fionraíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for fionraíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does fionraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fionraíocht can mean suspense or waiting, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fionraíocht change to fhionraíocht or bhfionraíocht?

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

What is the difference between 'fionraíocht' and 'fionraí'?

'Fionraí' often means suspension, as in 'ar fionraí' (suspended), while 'fionraíocht' is used more for the feeling of suspense or waiting.

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