fionnuar
/ˈfʲɪn̪ˠˌuəɾˠ/
The Irish word for cool is fionnuar.
fionnuar is an adjective used to describe something that has a slightly low temperature.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
While fionnuar is used for a temperature that is slightly low (cool), the word fuar is used when describing a temperature that is cold.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a standard sentence, the adjective fionnuar follows the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfʲɪn̪ˠˌuəɾˠ/
Did you know?
- If you were describing a person's personality as 'cool' in a modern, trendy sense, you would not use fionnuar, as it is strictly for temperature.
- Although it looks like it comes from the word for 'white', fionnuar actually stems from an old word meaning 'very cold'.
- The word fionnuar begins with a 'f', but in some Irish grammatical contexts, this initial consonant can change through a process called mutation.
Examples in context
- Tá an aimsir fionnuar.The weather is cool.
- Tá an uisce fionnuar sa chuan.The water is cool in the trough.
- An bhfuil an oíche fionnuar?Is the night cool?
Example conversation
Conor and Niamh are talking about the weather inside.
- ConorAn bhfuil sé fionnuar anseo, a Niamh?Is it cool in here, Niamh?
- NiamhTá, tá an fháth go bhfuil an fhuinnear oscailt.Yes, that's why the window is open.
- ConorIs maith liom an t-aer fionnuar.I like the cool air.
- NiamhDéan an gach rud go héirí níos te.Let's make everything get warmer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fionnuar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fionnuar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
