HeyRuaHow to say “wandering” in Irish
- Irish:
- fán
- English:
- wandering, downward slope
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fawn” /fˠɑːnˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- fáin, an fháin (e.g. ridireacht fáin, knight-errantry)
What does “fán” mean?
“Fán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wandering
- The state of straying or roaming about with no fixed place or purpose, often used in the phrase 'ar fán' (astray, wandering).Also: straying, vagrancy, roaming, astray.
“Fán” with the article
Here is fán after the article (an t-alt).
“Fán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fán, the Irish word for wandering.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wandering in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wandering?
The Irish for wandering is fán (pronounced “fawn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean downward slope.
How do you pronounce fán in Irish?
Fán is said like “fawn” (IPA /fˠɑːnˠ/).
Does fán have a plural?
No plural form is given for fán in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does fán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fán can mean wandering or downward slope, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fán change to fhán or bhfán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fán becomes m'fhán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfán (eclipsis).
What does 'ar fán' mean?
'Ar fán' means astray or wandering, as in 'Tá an bhó ar fán' (the cow has strayed).
Is 'fán' in 'fán am sin' the same word?
No, in Ulster Irish 'fá' plus the article gives 'fán', meaning 'about the', as in 'fán am sin' (around that time); it is not this noun.
