HeyRuaHow to say “dance” in Irish
- Irish:
- damhsa
- English:
- dance, dancing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- damhsaigh, to dance (ag damhsa, dancing)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOW-suh” /ˈd̪ˠəusˠə/
- Plural:
- damhsaí (dances)
- Genitive singular:
- damhsa, an damhsa (e.g. ceol an damhsa, the music of the dance)
- Genitive plural:
- damhsaí, na ndamhsaí (e.g. céimeanna na ndamhsaí, the steps of the dances)
What does “damhsa” mean?
“Damhsa” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dance
- A series of rhythmic movements done to music, or a particular kind of such movement.Also: dancing, step dance.
“Damhsa” as a verbal noun
After ag, damhsa means dancing: it is the verbal noun of the verb damhsaigh (to dance). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Damhsa” with the article
The plural of dance in Irish is damhsaí. Here is damhsa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Damhsa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using damhsa, 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 damhsa (pronounced “DOW-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is damhsaí. Depending on context it can also mean dancing.
How do you pronounce damhsa in Irish?
Damhsa is said like “DOW-suh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠəusˠə/).
What is the plural of dance in Irish?
The plural of damhsa is damhsaí; with the article, na damhsaí means “the dances”. The genitive plural is damhsaí, as in céimeanna na ndamhsaí (the steps of the dances).
Does damhsa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Damhsa can mean dance or dancing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does damhsa change to dhamhsa or ndamhsa?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) damhsa becomes mo dhamhsa (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndamhsa (eclipsis).
What is the difference between damhsa and rince?
Both mean dance; damhsa is common in Connacht and Ulster, while rince is preferred in Munster and in formal names like Rince Gaelach.
How do I say 'to dance' with damhsa?
Use 'ag damhsa' for dancing (Tá sí ag damhsa) or 'déan damhsa' for dance (Déan damhsa liom).
