HeyRuaHow to say “voice” in Irish
- Irish:
- faí
- English:
- voice, cry
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fee” /fˠiː/
- Plural:
- faíthe (voices)
- Genitive singular:
- faí, na faí (e.g. úsáid na faí céasta, use of the passive voice)
- Genitive plural:
- faíthe, na bhfaíthe (e.g. ainmneacha na bhfaíthe, the names of the voices)
What does “faí” mean?
“Faí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- voice
- In grammar, the form of a verb that shows whether the subject acts or is acted upon, as in active or passive voice.Also: grammatical voice, active voice, passive voice.
“Faí” with the article
The plural of voice in Irish is faíthe. Here is faí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Faí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using faí, the Irish word for voice.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Voice in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for voice?
The Irish for voice is faí (pronounced “fee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is faíthe. Depending on context it can also mean cry.
How do you pronounce faí in Irish?
Faí is said like “fee” (IPA /fˠiː/).
What is the plural of voice in Irish?
The plural of faí is faíthe; with the article, na faíthe means “the voices”. The genitive plural is faíthe, as in ainmneacha na bhfaíthe (the names of the voices).
Does faí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Faí can mean voice or cry, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does faí change to fhaí or bhfaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) faí becomes m'fhaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfaí (eclipsis).
Is 'faí' the normal word for a person's voice?
No, a speaking or singing voice is 'guth'. 'Faí' is mainly the grammar term, as in 'an fhaí chéasta' (the passive voice), or a literary word for a cry.
