HeyRuaHow to say “waiting” in Irish
- Irish:
- fanúint
- English:
- waiting
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fuh-NOO-int” /fəˈnuːnʲtʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- fanúna, na fanúna (e.g. tar éis uair an chloig fanúna, after an hour of waiting)
What does “fanúint” mean?
- waiting
- Fanúint is a form of 'fanacht', the verbal noun of the verb 'fan': the act of waiting, staying or remaining somewhere. It is heard especially in Munster.Also: staying, remaining, wait, stay.
Other Irish words for waiting: feitheamh (waiting)
“Fanúint” with the article
Here is fanúint after the article (an t-alt).
“Fanúint” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fanúint, the Irish word for waiting.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Waiting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for waiting?
The Irish for waiting is fanúint (pronounced “fuh-NOO-int”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce fanúint in Irish?
Fanúint is said like “fuh-NOO-int” (IPA /fəˈnuːnʲtʲ/).
Does fanúint have a plural?
No plural form is given for fanúint in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does fanúint change to fhanúint or bhfanúint?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fanúint becomes m'fhanúint (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfanúint (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'fanúint' and 'fanacht'?
They mean the same thing, the verbal noun of 'fan' (wait, stay). 'Fanacht' is the standard form, while 'fanúint' is typical of Munster speech, as in 'ag fanúint leat'.
How do I say 'waiting for someone'?
Use 'le': 'ag fanúint le duine' or 'ag fanacht le duine', for example 'Táim ag fanúint le Máire'.
