HeyRuaHow to say “word” in Irish
- Irish:
- focal
- English:
- word, remark, promise, message
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FUK-ul” /ˈfˠɔkəlˠ/
- Plural:
- focail (words)
- Genitive singular:
- focail, an fhocail (e.g. brí an fhocail, the meaning of the word)
- Genitive plural:
- focal, na bhfocal (e.g. liosta na bhfocal, the list of words)
What does “focal” mean?
“Focal” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- word
- A single unit of language that has meaning and is spoken or written.Also: term, vocabulary item.
3 other meanings: remark or promise or message
- 2remark
- Something said briefly, a remark, saying or piece of advice.Also: saying, comment, utterance.
- 3promise
- A word given as an assurance or pledge, as in giving your word.Also: word of honour, assurance, pledge.
- 4message
- News or a message sent to someone, as in sending word.Also: news, word.
Other Irish words for word: smid (word)
“Focal” with the article
The plural of word in Irish is focail. Here is focal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Focal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using focal, the Irish word for word.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Word in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for word?
The Irish for word is focal (pronounced “FUK-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is focail. Depending on context it can also mean remark or promise or message.
How do you pronounce focal in Irish?
Focal is said like “FUK-ul” (IPA /ˈfˠɔkəlˠ/).
What is the plural of word in Irish?
The plural of focal is focail; with the article, na focail means “the words”. The genitive plural is focal, as in liosta na bhfocal (the list of words).
Does focal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Focal can mean word, remark, promise or message, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does focal change to fhocal or bhfocal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) focal becomes m'fhocal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfocal (eclipsis).
How do I say 'in a word' or 'in short' in Irish?
Say 'i bhfocal' or more commonly 'i mbeagán focal', meaning in a few words.
What is the difference between focal and téarma?
'Focal' is any word, while 'téarma' is a technical term used in a particular field.
