Challenge in Irish (Dúshlán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for challenge?

The Irish for challenge is dúshlán (pronounced “DOO-hlawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dúshláin. Depending on context it can also mean defiance.

Q: What is the plural of challenge in Irish?

The plural of dúshlán is dúshláin; with the article, na dúshláin means “the challenges”. The genitive plural is dúshlán, as in liosta na ndúshlán (the list of challenges).

Q: Does dúshlán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dúshlán can mean challenge or defiance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “challenge” in Irish

Irish:: dúshlán
English:: challenge, defiance
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “DOO-hlawn” /ˈd̪ˠuːl̪ˠaːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: dúshláin (challenges)
Genitive singular:: dúshláin, an dúshláin (e.g. méid an dúshláin, the scale of the challenge)
Genitive plural:: dúshlán, na ndúshlán (e.g. liosta na ndúshlán, the list of challenges)

What does “dúshlán” mean?

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

challenge: A difficult task or a call to someone to compete or prove something.Also: dare, test.

1 other meaning: defiance

2defiance: A bold refusal to obey or be intimidated; defiant boasting.Also: bravado.

“Dúshlán” with the article

The plural of challenge in Irish is dúshláin. Here is dúshlán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dúshlán

the challenge

No change after an

na dúshláin

the challenges

Plural: no change after na

“Dúshlán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dúshlán, the Irish word for challenge.

Is dúshlán mór í an obair seo.

This work is a big challenge.

Thug sé dúshlán dom snámh go dtí an t-oileán.

He dared me to swim to the island.

Ghlac sí leis an dúshlán gan leisce.

She accepted the challenge without hesitation.

Tá a lán dúshlán romhainn i mbliana.

We have a lot of challenges ahead this year.

Bhí na dúshláin ollmhór ag an tús.

The challenges were enormous at the start.

Ba dhúshlán mór dom an scrúdú a chríochnú.

Finishing the exam was a big challenge for me.

Chuir an fhoireann dúshlán faoi na curaidh.

The team challenged the champions.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

gaothwind bronntanaspresent deochdrink nuachtnews réimserange sífairy mound

Challenge in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for challenge?

The Irish for challenge is dúshlán (pronounced “DOO-hlawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dúshláin. Depending on context it can also mean defiance.

How do you pronounce dúshlán in Irish?

Dúshlán is said like “DOO-hlawn” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːl̪ˠaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of challenge in Irish?

The plural of dúshlán is dúshláin; with the article, na dúshláin means “the challenges”. The genitive plural is dúshlán, as in liosta na ndúshlán (the list of challenges).

Does dúshlán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dúshlán can mean challenge or defiance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dúshlán change to dhúshlán or ndúshlán?

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

How do I say 'to challenge someone' in Irish?

Use 'dúshlán a thabhairt do dhuine' or 'dúshlán a chur faoi dhuine', for example 'Thug sé dúshlán dom'.

What does 'is é do dhúshlán é' mean?

It means something is as much as you can manage, for example 'Ba é mo dhúshlán é' means 'It was all I could do'.

Challenge in Irish (Dúshlán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage