HeyRuaHow to say “swallow” in Irish
- Irish:
- fáinleog
- English:
- swallow
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAWN-lyohg” /ˈfˠaːnʲlʲoːɡ/
- Plural:
- fáinleoga (swallows)
- Genitive singular:
- fáinleoige, na fáinleoige (e.g. nead na fáinleoige, the swallow's nest)
- Genitive plural:
- fáinleog, na bhfáinleog (e.g. teacht na bhfáinleog, the arrival of the swallows)
What does “fáinleog” mean?
- swallow
- A small fast-flying migratory bird with a forked tail, especially the barn swallow, which arrives in Ireland in spring.Also: barn swallow, martin.
Other Irish words for swallow: slogadh (swallowing), slog (swallow), slogóg (gulp), slog (swallow)
“Fáinleog” with the article
The plural of swallow in Irish is fáinleoga. Here is fáinleog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fáinleog” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fáinleog, the Irish word for swallow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Swallow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for swallow?
The Irish for swallow is fáinleog (pronounced “FAWN-lyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fáinleoga.
How do you pronounce fáinleog in Irish?
Fáinleog is said like “FAWN-lyohg” (IPA /ˈfˠaːnʲlʲoːɡ/).
What is the plural of swallow in Irish?
The plural of fáinleog is fáinleoga; with the article, na fáinleoga means “the swallows”. The genitive plural is fáinleog, as in teacht na bhfáinleog (the arrival of the swallows).
Why does fáinleog change to fháinleog or bhfáinleog?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fáinleog becomes m'fháinleog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfáinleog (eclipsis).
Is there another Irish word for swallow?
Yes, 'gabhlán' (or 'gabhlán gaoithe') is also used for the swallow, while 'fáinleog' is the most widespread general word.
How do you say 'one swallow doesn't make a summer' in Irish?
You can say 'Ní dhéanann aon fháinleog amháin samhradh.'
