HeyRuaHow to say “suspension” in Irish
- Irish:
- fionraí
- English:
- suspension, waiting, suspense
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- fionraigh, to suspend (ag fionraí, suspending)
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FIN-ree” /ˈfʲɪn̪ˠɾˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- fionraí, na fionraí (e.g. tréimhse fionraí, period of suspension)
What does “fionraí” mean?
“Fionraí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- suspension
- The state of being temporarily stopped or removed from a job, school or activity, as in 'ar fionraí'.Also: suspended, temporary removal.
2 other meanings: waiting or suspense
- 2waiting
- The act of waiting or staying in expectation; it is the verbal noun of the verb fionraigh.Also: wait, expectation.
- 3suspense
- A state of anxious uncertainty while waiting for something to happen.Also: uncertainty, tension.
“Fionraí” as a verbal noun
After ag, fionraí means suspending: it is the verbal noun of the verb fionraigh (to suspend). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Fionraí” with the article
Here is fionraí after the article (an t-alt).
“Fionraí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fionraí, the Irish word for suspension.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Suspension in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for suspension?
The Irish for suspension is fionraí (pronounced “FIN-ree”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean waiting or suspense.
How do you pronounce fionraí in Irish?
Fionraí is said like “FIN-ree” (IPA /ˈfʲɪn̪ˠɾˠiː/).
Does fionraí have a plural?
No plural form is given for fionraí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does fionraí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fionraí can mean suspension, waiting or suspense, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fionraí change to fhionraí or bhfionraí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fionraí becomes m'fhionraí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfionraí (eclipsis).
How do I say someone is suspended from school or work?
Use 'ar fionraí': 'Tá sé ar fionraí ón scoil' means 'He is suspended from school', and 'cuireadh ar fionraí é' means 'he was suspended'.
Is fionraí the usual word for 'waiting'?
No, in everyday speech 'fanacht' or 'feitheamh' is used for waiting; 'fionraí' in that sense is literary, and today it mostly means suspension.
