HeyRuaHow to say “challenging” in Irish
- Irish:
- dúshlánach
- English:
- challenging, defiant
- Word type:
- adjective
- More challenging:
- níos dúshlánaí
- Most challenging:
- is dúshlánaí
- Plural:
- dúshlánacha
- Pronunciation:
- “DOO-hlaw-nukh” /ˈd̪ˠuːhl̪ˠaːn̪ˠəx/
What does “dúshlánach” mean?
“Dúshlánach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- challenging
- Difficult in a way that tests your ability or effort.Also: demanding, testing, difficult.
1 other meaning: defiant
- 2defiant
- Openly resisting or challenging someone or something.Also: provocative, challenging, bold.
“Dúshlánach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is dúshlánach after post (job, masculine), after obair (work, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: obair dhúshlánach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: post dúshlánach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, dúshlánacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant: poist dhúshlánacha; after other plurals it does not: oibreacha dúshlánacha.
More challenging, most challenging, very challenging
Tá an cluiche seo níos dúshlánaí ná an ceann eile. This game is more challenging than the other one.
| more challenging | níos dúshlánaí | in the past tense: ní ba dhúshlánaí |
|---|---|---|
| most challenging | is dúshlánaí | in the past tense: ba dhúshlánaí |
| as challenging as | chomh dúshlánach le | no change after chomh |
| very challenging | an-dúshlánach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too challenging | ródhúshlánach | ró- lenites |
“Dúshlánach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Challenging in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for challenging?
The Irish for challenging is dúshlánach (pronounced “DOO-hlaw-nukh”). It comes after the noun: post dúshlánach, a challenging job; obair dhúshlánach, challenging work.
How do you say more challenging and most challenging in Irish?
níos dúshlánaí is more challenging and is dúshlánaí is most challenging. In the past tense they become ní ba dhúshlánaí and ba dhúshlánaí.
Why does dúshlánach become dhúshlánach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So obair dhúshlánach (challenging work) but post dúshlánach (a challenging job), because post is masculine.
What is the plural of dúshlánach?
With a plural noun dúshlánach becomes dúshlánacha: poist dhúshlánacha, oibreacha dúshlánacha. After a plural that ends in a slender consonant it is lenited as well.
How do you say very challenging in Irish?
an-dúshlánach. Too challenging is ródhúshlánach, and as challenging as is chomh dúshlánach le.
Does dúshlánach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dúshlánach can mean challenging or defiant, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How is dúshlánach related to dúshlán?
Dúshlánach comes from the noun dúshlán, a challenge, as in tabhair dúshlán duine, to challenge someone.
