Warning in Irish (Foláireamh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for warning?

The Irish for warning is foláireamh (pronounced “FAW-lawr-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is foláirimh. Depending on context it can also mean notice or command.

Q: What is the plural of warning in Irish?

The plural of foláireamh is foláirimh; with the article, it is na foláirimh. The genitive plural is foláireamh, as in tábhacht na bhfoláireamh (the importance of the warnings).

Q: Does foláireamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foláireamh can mean warning, notice or command, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “warning” in Irish

Irish:: foláireamh
English:: warning, notice, command
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “FAW-lawr-uv” /ˈfˠɔlˠaːɾʲəw/

Various forms

Plural:: foláirimh
Genitive singular:: foláirimh, an fholáirimh (e.g. comhartha foláirimh, warning sign)
Genitive plural:: foláireamh, na bhfoláireamh (e.g. tábhacht na bhfoláireamh, the importance of the warnings)

What does “foláireamh” mean?

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

warning: A statement or sign telling someone about a possible danger or problem.Also: caution, alert, admonition.

2 other meanings: notice or command

2notice: A formal notification or advance notice given to someone.Also: notification, advance notice.
3command: An order or injunction telling someone what to do.Also: order, injunction, bidding.

Other Irish words for warning: rabhadh (warning), fainic (caution)

“Foláireamh” with the article

The plural of warning in Irish is foláirimh. Here is foláireamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an foláireamh

the warning

No change after an

na foláirimh

the warning (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Foláireamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using foláireamh, the Irish word for warning.

Thug an múinteoir foláireamh dó faoina iompar.

The teacher gave him a warning about his behaviour.

Níor thug siad aon aird ar an bhfoláireamh.

They paid no attention to the warning.

Tá foláireamh stoirme ann don chósta thiar.

There is a storm warning for the west coast.

Fuaireamar foláireamh roimh ré.

We got a warning beforehand.

Chuir na foláirimh sin eagla ar dhaoine.

Those warnings frightened people.

Bhí comhartha foláirimh ar an mbosca.

There was a warning sign on the box.

Tháinig an stoirm gan foláireamh ar bith.

The storm came without any warning.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Warning in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for warning?

The Irish for warning is foláireamh (pronounced “FAW-lawr-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is foláirimh. Depending on context it can also mean notice or command.

How do you pronounce foláireamh in Irish?

Foláireamh is said like “FAW-lawr-uv” (IPA /ˈfˠɔlˠaːɾʲəw/).

What is the plural of warning in Irish?

The plural of foláireamh is foláirimh; with the article, it is na foláirimh. The genitive plural is foláireamh, as in tábhacht na bhfoláireamh (the importance of the warnings).

Does foláireamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foláireamh can mean warning, notice or command, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does foláireamh change to fholáireamh or bhfoláireamh?

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

What is the difference between 'foláireamh' and 'rabhadh'?

Both mean warning; 'rabhadh' is the more common everyday word, while 'foláireamh' is more formal and can also mean notice or a command.

Warning in Irish (Foláireamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage