Vision in Irish (Fís): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for vision?

The Irish for vision is fís (pronounced “feesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is físeanna. Depending on context it can also mean vision tale or video.

Q: What is the plural of vision in Irish?

The plural of fís is físeanna; with the article, na físeanna means “the visions”. The genitive plural is físeanna, as in bunús na bhfíseanna (the origin of the visions).

Q: Does fís have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fís can mean vision, vision tale or video, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “vision” in Irish

Irish:: fís
English:: vision, vision tale, video
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “feesh” /fʲiːʃ/

Various forms

Plural:: físeanna (visions)
Genitive singular:: físe, na físe (e.g. cluiche físe, video game)
Genitive plural:: físeanna, na bhfíseanna (e.g. bunús na bhfíseanna, the origin of the visions)

What does “fís” mean?

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

vision: Something seen in a dream, trance or the imagination, or a clear idea of what the future should be.Also: dream, apparition, foresight.

2 other meanings: vision tale or video

2vision tale: A medieval literary tale describing a vision, especially of the otherworld.Also: vision literature.
3video: Visual images, especially in compounds relating to video and television.Also: visual.

Other Irish words for vision: amharc (sight), aisling (dream)

“Fís” with the article

The plural of vision in Irish is físeanna. Here is fís after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhís

the vision

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na físeanna

the visions

Plural: no change after na

“Fís” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fís, the Irish word for vision.

Teastaíonn ceannaire uainn a bhfuil fís aige.

We need a leader with a vision.

Chonaic sí fís aisteach ina codladh.

She saw a strange vision in her sleep.

Roinn sé an fhís a bhí aige leis an bhfoireann.

He shared his vision with the team.

Is í m'fhís scoil lán-Ghaeilge a oscailt.

My vision is to open an all-Irish school.

Cheannaigh sé téip físe nua inné.

He bought a new videotape yesterday.

Níl aon fhís ag an rialtas don tír.

The government has no vision for the country.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

áitplace comhairleadvice teachhouse fearman amtime rudthing

Vision in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for vision?

The Irish for vision is fís (pronounced “feesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is físeanna. Depending on context it can also mean vision tale or video.

How do you pronounce fís in Irish?

Fís is said like “feesh” (IPA /fʲiːʃ/).

What is the plural of vision in Irish?

The plural of fís is físeanna; with the article, na físeanna means “the visions”. The genitive plural is físeanna, as in bunús na bhfíseanna (the origin of the visions).

Does fís have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fís can mean vision, vision tale or video, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fís change to fhís or bhfís?

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

What is the difference between fís and aisling?

Both mean vision, but aisling is especially a dream vision or the aisling poem genre, while fís covers visions generally and also a vision for the future.

Is fís the word for a video?

A video is físeán; fís appears in compounds such as cluiche físe (video game) and téip físe (videotape).

Vision in Irish (Fís): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage