HeyRuaHow to say “utility” in Irish
- Irish:
- fóntas
- English:
- utility, public utility
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “FOHN-tuhs” /ˈfoːn̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/
- Plural:
- fóntais (utilities)
- Genitive singular:
- fóntais, an fhóntais (e.g. luach fóntais, utility value)
- Genitive plural:
- fóntas, na bhfóntas (e.g. costas na bhfóntas, the cost of utilities)
What does “fóntas” mean?
“Fóntas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- utility
- Usefulness, or the quality of being serviceable and of benefit.Also: usefulness, serviceability, benefit.
1 other meaning: public utility
- 2public utility
- A basic public service such as water, gas or electricity supplied to the community.Also: utility, utility service, public service.
“Fóntas” with the article
The plural of utility in Irish is fóntais. Here is fóntas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fóntas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fóntas, the Irish word for utility.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Utility in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for utility?
The Irish for utility is fóntas (pronounced “FOHN-tuhs”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is fóntais. Depending on context it can also mean public utility.
How do you pronounce fóntas in Irish?
Fóntas is said like “FOHN-tuhs” (IPA /ˈfoːn̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/).
What is the plural of utility in Irish?
The plural of fóntas is fóntais; with the article, na fóntais means “the utilities”. The genitive plural is fóntas, as in costas na bhfóntas (the cost of utilities).
Does fóntas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fóntas can mean utility or public utility, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fóntas change to fhóntas or bhfóntas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fóntas becomes m'fhóntas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfóntas (eclipsis).
How is 'fóntas' different from 'úsáid'?
'Úsáid' means use, the act of using something, while 'fóntas' means usefulness or utility, and in the plural 'fóntais' refers to public services like water and power.
