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Bile in Irish (Domlas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘domlas’ also means: bitterness

The Irish for bile is domlas, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “bile” in Irish

Irish:
domlas
English:
bile, bitterness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“DUM-uh-lus”  /ˈd̪ˠʊmˠəl̪ˠəsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
domlais, an domlais (e.g. máilín an domlais, the gall bladder)

What does “domlas” mean?

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

bile
The bitter yellowish fluid produced by the liver that helps digestion.Also: gall.
1 other meaning: bitterness
2bitterness
Extreme bitterness of taste, or figuratively bitterness of feeling or something very unpleasant.Also: gall, rancour.

“Domlas” with the article

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

an domlas
the bile
No change after an

“Domlas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using domlas, the Irish word for bile.

Déanann an t-ae domlas.
The liver produces bile.
Bhí blas an domlais ar an deoch sin.
That drink tasted as bitter as gall.
Bhí sé chomh searbh le domlas.
It was as bitter as gall.
Cuidíonn an domlas linn saill a dhíleá.
Bile helps us digest fat.
Tá cloch dhomlais aige agus tá pian air.
He has a gallstone and he's in pain.
Bhí domlas ina chroí i ndiaidh na troda.
There was bitterness in his heart after the fight.
Baineadh a mháilín domlais amach anuraidh.
His gall bladder was removed last year.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Bile in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bile?

The Irish for bile is domlas (pronounced “DUM-uh-lus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean bitterness.

How do you pronounce domlas in Irish?

Domlas is said like “DUM-uh-lus” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠʊmˠəl̪ˠəsˠ/).

Does domlas have a plural?

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

Does domlas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Domlas can mean bile or bitterness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does domlas change to dhomlas or ndomlas?

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

How do I say 'gall bladder' in Irish?

Use máilín domlais or mála an domlais; a gallstone is cloch dhomlais.

Can domlas describe bitter feelings?

Yes, figuratively domlas can mean bitterness or rancour, though searbhas is the more usual word for sarcasm or bitterness in speech.

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