bhfocail

The term "bhfocail" is a grammatical form found in the Irish language. It represents the genitive plural of the word "focal," which means "word." Therefore, "bhfocail" translates directly to "of words." This form is used in specific grammatical constructions to indicate possession or association with multiple words. For instance, it might appear in phrases describing the "meaning of words" or the "collection of words."

Understanding the genitive plural is crucial for comprehending Irish grammar. The "bh" prefix is a lenited form, indicating a softening of the initial consonant. This lenition often occurs after certain prepositions or in specific grammatical contexts. The regular genitive plural of "focal" would typically be "focal," but the presence of certain preceding elements triggers the lenition, resulting in "bhfocail." This linguistic phenomenon is common across Irish vocabulary and is a key feature of its inflectional system. Knowledge of these forms allows for more accurate and nuanced translation and understanding of the Irish language.