folús
The Irish word for the verb 'to vacuum' is folús.
This term is used as a transitive verb meaning to clean something using a vacuum cleaner.
Meaning: transitive: to clean with a vacuum cleaner (verb)
Did you know?
- The root word folamh is used to describe not only a physical void but also the spiritual or emotional feeling of being 'empty'.
- Because the vacuum cleaner is a modern appliance, the Irish language had to create a new word based on the concept of 'emptiness' rather than borrowing the sound of the English word.
- In casual conversation, many Irish speakers simply 'Hibernicize' the English word 'vacuum' by applying Irish grammar to it instead of using folús.
Example conversation
Conor and Niamh are cleaning their living room.
- ConorAn féidir leat an seomra a folús, a Niamh?Can you vacuum the room, Niamh?
- NiamhTá mée goáraidh, an bhfuil an folús-ghineadóir inniu?I am busy, is the vacuum cleaner available today?
- ConorTá sé sa chónair, úsáid é.It is in the hallway, use it.
- NiamhCeannach, folúsfaidh mé an tairbhse anois.Alright, I will vacuum the rug now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry folús, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
