HeyRuaHow to say “watching” in Irish
- Irish:
- faire
- English:
- watching, wake
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- fair, to watch (ag faire, watching)
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAR-uh” /ˈfˠaɾʲə/
- Plural:
- fairí
- Genitive singular:
- faire, na faire (e.g. túr faire, watch-tower)
- Genitive plural:
- fairí, na bhfairí (e.g. líon na bhfairí, the number of watches)
What does “faire” mean?
“Faire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- watching
- The act of watching, guarding or keeping an eye on someone or something; the verbal noun of the verb 'fair'.Also: watch, guarding, vigil, lookout.
“Faire” as a verbal noun
After ag, faire means watching: it is the verbal noun of the verb fair (to watch). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Faire” with the article
The plural of watching in Irish is fairí. Here is faire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Faire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using faire, the Irish word for watching.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Watching in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for watching?
The Irish for watching is faire (pronounced “FAR-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fairí. Depending on context it can also mean wake.
How do you pronounce faire in Irish?
Faire is said like “FAR-uh” (IPA /ˈfˠaɾʲə/).
What is the plural of watching in Irish?
The plural of faire is fairí; with the article, it is na fairí. The genitive plural is fairí, as in líon na bhfairí (the number of watches).
Does faire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Faire can mean watching or wake, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does faire change to fhaire or bhfaire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) faire becomes m'fhaire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfaire (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'faire' and 'tórramh'?
Both can mean a wake for the dead, but 'tórramh' is used only for that, while 'faire' also means watching or guarding in general.
How do I say 'keep an eye on' something?
Use 'coinnigh faire ar', for example 'Coinnigh faire ar an mbosca'.
