Affection in Irish (Dáimh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for affection?

The Irish for affection is dáimh (pronounced “dawv”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean kinship.

Q: Does dáimh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dáimh can mean affection or kinship, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “affection” in Irish

Irish:: dáimh
English:: affection, kinship
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “dawv” /d̪ˠɑːvʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: dáimhe, na dáimhe (e.g. ceangal na dáimhe, the bond of affection)

What does “dáimh” mean?

“Dáimh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

affection: A feeling of natural fondness or attachment towards someone or something.Also: fondness, attachment, love.

1 other meaning: kinship

2kinship: A natural bond or fellow feeling between people, especially relatives or people of the same kind.Also: fellow feeling, natural bond, sympathy.

Other Irish words for affection: grá (love), cion (affection), gean (affection), searc (love)

“Dáimh” with the article

Here is dáimh after the article (an t-alt).

an dáimh

the affection

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Dáimh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dáimh, the Irish word for affection.

Tá dáimh mhór agam leis an áit seo.

I have a great fondness for this place.

Bhí dáimh aici lena seanmháthair riamh.

She always had an affection for her grandmother.

Níl aon dáimh agam leis an gcathair.

I have no attachment to the city.

Mhothaigh mé an dáimh idir an bheirt deartháireacha.

I felt the bond between the two brothers.

Is iontach an dáimh atá acu lena chéile.

The affection they have for each other is wonderful.

Labhair sé le dáimh faoina mhuintir.

He spoke fondly about his family.

Bhí dáimh riamh aige leis an bhfarraige.

He always had a fondness for the sea.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

straitéisstrategy bainisteoirmanager leababed MuireMary (the Virgin Mary)riachtanasneed labhairtspeaking

Affection in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for affection?

The Irish for affection is dáimh (pronounced “dawv”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean kinship.

How do you pronounce dáimh in Irish?

Dáimh is said like “dawv” (IPA /d̪ˠɑːvʲ/).

Does dáimh have a plural?

No plural form is given for dáimh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does dáimh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dáimh can mean affection or kinship, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dáimh change to dháimh or ndáimh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dáimh becomes mo dháimh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndáimh (eclipsis).

How is 'dáimh' used in a sentence?

It is usually used with 'ag' and 'le': 'Tá dáimh agam leis' means 'I have an affection for him'.

How does 'dáimh' differ from 'grá'?

'Grá' is love in general, while 'dáimh' suggests a natural fondness or kinship, often towards a place, family or one's own kind.

Affection in Irish (Dáimh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage