HeyRuaHow to say “dean” in Irish
- Irish:
- deán
- English:
- dean
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “jawn” /dʲaːn/
- Plural:
- deánta (deans)
- Genitive singular:
- deáin, an deáin (e.g. teach an deáin, the dean's house)
- Genitive plural:
- deánta, na ndeánta (e.g. cruinniú na ndeánta, the meeting of the deans)
What does “deán” mean?
“Deán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dean
- A senior clergyman who is the head of the chapter of a cathedral.Also: cathedral dean, dean of a cathedral.
1 other meaning:
- 2dean
- A senior official in a university or college, in charge of a faculty or of student discipline.Also: dean of faculty, university dean.
“Deán” with the article
The plural of dean in Irish is deánta. Here is deán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deán, the Irish word for dean.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dean in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dean?
The Irish for dean is deán (pronounced “jawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deánta.
How do you pronounce deán in Irish?
Deán is said like “jawn” (IPA /dʲaːn/).
What is the plural of dean in Irish?
The plural of deán is deánta; with the article, na deánta means “the deans”. The genitive plural is deánta, as in cruinniú na ndeánta (the meeting of the deans).
Why does deán change to dheán or ndeán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deán becomes mo dheán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeán (eclipsis).
Is 'deán' used for both church and university deans?
Yes, 'deán' covers both, for example 'deán na hardeaglaise' (dean of the cathedral) and 'deán dáimhe' (dean of faculty).
