Truth in Irish (Fírinne): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for truth?

The Irish for truth is fírinne (pronounced “FEER-in-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fírinní. Depending on context it can also mean truthfulness or a truth.

Q: What is the plural of truth in Irish?

The plural of fírinne is fírinní; with the article, na fírinní means “the truths”. The genitive plural is fírinní, as in liosta na bhfírinní (the list of the truths).

Q: Does fírinne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fírinne can mean truth, truthfulness or a truth, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “truth” in Irish

Irish:: fírinne
English:: truth, truthfulness, a truth
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FEER-in-yuh” /ˈfʲiːɾʲənʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: fírinní (truths)
Genitive singular:: fírinne, na fírinne (e.g. iomlán na fírinne, the whole truth)
Genitive plural:: fírinní, na bhfírinní (e.g. liosta na bhfírinní, the list of the truths)

What does “fírinne” mean?

“Fírinne” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

truth: What is true or real, as opposed to what is false or invented.Also: fact, reality, honesty.

2 other meanings: truthfulness or a truth

2truthfulness: The quality of being honest and telling the truth.Also: honesty, sincerity.
3a truth: A single true statement or principle, often a general or religious one.Also: truth, principle, true statement.

Other Irish words for truth: fíric (fact), fíoras (fact)

“Fírinne” with the article

The plural of truth in Irish is fírinní. Here is fírinne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhírinne

the truth

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fírinní

the truths

Plural: no change after na

“Fírinne” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fírinne, the Irish word for truth.

Inis an fhírinne dom anois.

Tell me the truth now.

Is í an fhírinne nach raibh mé ann.

The truth is that I wasn't there.

Tá cuma na fírinne ar a scéal.

His story seems true.

Le fírinne, níl a fhios agam.

Honestly, I don't know.

Ní raibh focal fírinne ina chuid cainte.

There wasn't a word of truth in what he said.

D'inis sí an fhírinne ghlan dó.

She told him the plain truth.

Bhí an fhírinne aici i gcónaí.

She was always right.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

ollamhprofessor scríbhinnwriting láithreánsite agallamhinterview cathaoirchair modhmethod

Truth in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for truth?

The Irish for truth is fírinne (pronounced “FEER-in-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fírinní. Depending on context it can also mean truthfulness or a truth.

How do you pronounce fírinne in Irish?

Fírinne is said like “FEER-in-yuh” (IPA /ˈfʲiːɾʲənʲə/).

What is the plural of truth in Irish?

The plural of fírinne is fírinní; with the article, na fírinní means “the truths”. The genitive plural is fírinní, as in liosta na bhfírinní (the list of the truths).

Does fírinne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fírinne can mean truth, truthfulness or a truth, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fírinne change to fhírinne or bhfírinne?

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

How do I say 'to be right' using fírinne?

You can say 'tá an fhírinne agat' (you are right), literally 'you have the truth'.

What is the opposite of fírinne?

The opposite is 'bréag' (a lie); 'insint bréag' is telling lies, while 'insint na fírinne' is telling the truth.

Truth in Irish (Fírinne): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage