HeyRuaHow to say “waiting” in Irish
- Irish:
- feitheamh
- English:
- waiting, watching
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- feith, to watch (ag feitheamh, watching)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FEH-hiv” /ˈfʲɛhəvˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- feithimh, an fheithimh (e.g. seomra feithimh, waiting room)
What does “feitheamh” mean?
“Feitheamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- waiting
- The act of waiting for someone or something; it is the verbal noun of the verb feith.Also: wait, awaiting, expectation.
1 other meaning: watching
- 2watching
- Keeping watch or attending closely, as in watching over something; an older or literary use of the verbal noun of feith.Also: watch, observation.
Other Irish words for waiting: fanúint (waiting)
“Feitheamh” as a verbal noun
After ag, feitheamh means watching: it is the verbal noun of the verb feith (to watch). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Feitheamh” with the article
Here is feitheamh after the article (an t-alt).
“Feitheamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using feitheamh, 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 feitheamh (pronounced “FEH-hiv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean watching.
How do you pronounce feitheamh in Irish?
Feitheamh is said like “FEH-hiv” (IPA /ˈfʲɛhəvˠ/).
Does feitheamh have a plural?
No plural form is given for feitheamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does feitheamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Feitheamh can mean waiting or watching, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does feitheamh change to fheitheamh or bhfeitheamh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) feitheamh becomes m'fheitheamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfeitheamh (eclipsis).
What is the difference between feitheamh and fanacht?
Both can mean waiting: 'ag feitheamh le' and 'ag fanacht le' both mean waiting for. Fanacht also means staying, while feitheamh is used in set terms like 'seomra feithimh' (waiting room).
