HeyRuaHow to say “colouring” in Irish
- Irish:
- dathú
- English:
- colouring, blushing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- dathaigh, to colour (ag dathú, colouring)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “DAH-hoo” /ˈd̪ˠahuː/
- Genitive singular:
- dathaithe, an dathaithe (e.g. leabhar dathaithe, colouring book)
What does “dathú” mean?
“Dathú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- colouring
- The act of giving colour to something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'dathaigh' (colour).Also: coloring, dyeing, painting, tinting.
1 other meaning: blushing
- 2blushing
- The act of going red in the face, from 'dathaigh' used of a person changing colour.Also: flushing, reddening.
“Dathú” as a verbal noun
After ag, dathú means colouring: it is the verbal noun of the verb dathaigh (to colour). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Dathú” with the article
Here is dathú after the article (an t-alt).
“Dathú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dathú, the Irish word for colouring.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Colouring in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for colouring?
The Irish for colouring is dathú (pronounced “DAH-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean blushing.
How do you pronounce dathú in Irish?
Dathú is said like “DAH-hoo” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠahuː/).
Does dathú have a plural?
No plural form is given for dathú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dathú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dathú can mean colouring or blushing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dathú change to dhathú or ndathú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dathú becomes mo dhathú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndathú (eclipsis).
How is 'dathú' different from 'dath'?
'Dath' is a colour itself, while 'dathú' is the act of colouring, as in 'ag dathú pictiúir' (colouring a picture).
