fìor
/fiəɾ/
The Gaelic word for true is fìor.
The word fìor is used to describe something that is true, meaning it is factually correct. It can also be used to mean 'real' or 'genuine' to describe something authentic.
Meaning: concurring with a given set of facts (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a predicate, such as in the phrase 'is true', the adjective fìor is invariant in gender and number.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiəɾ/
Did you know?
- In older Gaelic literature, the concept of 'truth' embodied in fír was often seen as a cosmic force that maintained the natural order of the world.
- The concept of 'truth' in Gaelic history was often linked to the legal status of 'truth-telling' in early Brehon laws, where a 'true' word was a binding contract.
- In Gaelic, you might call someone a fìor dhuine, which translates to a 'true person' but carries the heavy connotation of being a person of absolute integrity and honor.
Examples in context
- Chan eil sin buileach fìor.That's not completely true.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is not completely true using fìor.Tatoeba #9295541 by megamanenm, translation #4012267 by CK
- Tha sin fìor.That is true.
- Tha e fuaimneach, seadh.It's noisy, indeed.
- Tha an t-uisge ann, gu dearbh.It's raining, for sure.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Isla and Angus are discussing a local legend.
- IslaAn t-eachdraidh seo fìor a bh' e?Was this history true?
- AngusChan eil mi cinnteach, Isla.I am not sure, Isla.
- IslaTha mi tuigidh, Angus.I understand, Angus.
- AngusAch tha e sgoinneil!But it is brilliant!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “true” translations and entries fìor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
