HeyRuaHow to say “dance” in Irish
- Irish:
- rince
- English:
- dance, dancing, dance (event)
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- rinc, to dance (ag rince, dancing)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “RING-kyuh” /ˈɾˠɪɲcə/
- Plural:
- rincí (dances)
- Genitive singular:
- rince, an rince (e.g. múinteoir rince, dancing teacher)
- Genitive plural:
- rincí, na rincí (e.g. ainmneacha na rincí, the names of the dances)
What does “rince” mean?
“Rince” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dance
- A series of rhythmic steps and movements to music, or a particular kind of dance.Also: dancing, step dance.
2 other meanings: dancing or dance (event)
“Rince” as a verbal noun
After ag, rince means dancing: it is the verbal noun of the verb rinc (to dance). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Rince” with the article
The plural of dance in Irish is rincí. Here is rince after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Rince” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using rince, the Irish word for dance.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dance in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dance?
The Irish for dance is rince (pronounced “RING-kyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rincí. Depending on context it can also mean dancing or dance (event).
How do you pronounce rince in Irish?
Rince is said like “RING-kyuh” (IPA /ˈɾˠɪɲcə/).
What is the plural of dance in Irish?
The plural of rince is rincí; with the article, na rincí means “the dances”. The genitive plural is rincí, as in ainmneacha na rincí (the names of the dances).
Does rince have more than one meaning?
Yes. Rince can mean dance, dancing or dance (event), depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between rince and damhsa?
Both mean dance; rince is the standard and Munster word, while damhsa is more usual in Connacht and Ulster. Both are fully correct.
How do I say 'I can dance'?
Say 'Tá rince agam', literally 'I have dance'. To dance a dance is 'rince a dhéanamh'.
