Weed in Irish (Fiaile): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for weed?

The Irish for weed is fiaile (pronounced “FEE-al-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fiailí. Depending on context it can also mean weed (cannabis).

Q: What is the plural of weed in Irish?

The plural of fiaile is fiailí; with the article, na fiailí means “the weeds”. The genitive plural is fiailí, as in ag baint fiailí (pulling weeds).

Q: Does fiaile have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fiaile can mean weed or weed (cannabis), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “weed” in Irish

Irish:: fiaile
English:: weed, weed (cannabis)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FEE-al-yuh” /ˈfʲiəlʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: fiailí (weeds)
Genitive singular:: fiaile, na fiaile (e.g. fréamh na fiaile, the root of the weed)
Genitive plural:: fiailí, na bhfiailí (e.g. ag baint fiailí, pulling weeds)

What does “fiaile” mean?

“Fiaile” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

weed: A wild plant growing where it is not wanted, especially in a garden or field.Also: weeds, wild plant.

1 other meaning: weed (cannabis)

2weed (cannabis): A slang word for cannabis or marijuana.Also: weed, marijuana, cannabis, pot.

“Fiaile” with the article

The plural of weed in Irish is fiailí. Here is fiaile after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhiaile

the weed

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fiailí

the weeds

Plural: no change after na

“Fiaile” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fiaile, the Irish word for weed.

Tá fiaile ag fás sa chosán.

There's a weed growing in the path.

Bhain mé an fhiaile as an ngairdín.

I pulled the weed out of the garden.

Tá an gairdín lán d'fhiailí.

The garden is full of weeds.

Is fuath liom fiailí a bhaint.

I hate weeding.

Tá fiailí i mo ghairdín arís.

There are weeds in my garden again.

Bhí na fiailí níos airde ná na bláthanna.

The weeds were taller than the flowers.

Chuir sé nimh fiailí ar an gcosán.

He put weedkiller on the path.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Weed in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for weed?

The Irish for weed is fiaile (pronounced “FEE-al-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fiailí. Depending on context it can also mean weed (cannabis).

How do you pronounce fiaile in Irish?

Fiaile is said like “FEE-al-yuh” (IPA /ˈfʲiəlʲə/).

What is the plural of weed in Irish?

The plural of fiaile is fiailí; with the article, na fiailí means “the weeds”. The genitive plural is fiailí, as in ag baint fiailí (pulling weeds).

Does fiaile have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fiaile can mean weed or weed (cannabis), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fiaile change to fhiaile or bhfiaile?

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

What is the difference between 'fiaile' and 'luibh'?

'Fiaile' is an unwanted weed, while 'luibh' is a herb or plant in general, often a useful one.

How do I say 'to weed the garden'?

Say 'fiailí a bhaint as an ngairdín' or use the verb 'glan'.

Weed in Irish (Fiaile): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage