Demon in Irish (Deamhan): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for demon?

The Irish for demon is deamhan (pronounced “jown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deamhain. Depending on context it can also mean fiend.

Q: What is the plural of demon in Irish?

The plural of deamhan is deamhain; with the article, na deamhain means “the demons”. The genitive plural is deamhan, as in rí na ndeamhan (the king of the demons).

Q: Does deamhan have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deamhan can mean demon or fiend, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “demon” in Irish

Irish:: deamhan
English:: demon, fiend
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “jown” /dʲaun̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: deamhain (demons)
Genitive singular:: deamhain, an deamhain (e.g. cumhacht an deamhain, the power of the demon)
Genitive plural:: deamhan, na ndeamhan (e.g. rí na ndeamhan, the king of the demons)

What does “deamhan” mean?

“Deamhan” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

demon: An evil spirit or devil.Also: devil, evil spirit, fiend.

1 other meaning: fiend

2fiend: A wicked, cruel or very mischievous person, or someone obsessed with something.Also: devil, rascal.

Other Irish words for demon: diabhal (devil)

“Deamhan” with the article

The plural of demon in Irish is deamhain. Here is deamhan after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an deamhan

the demon

No change after an

na deamhain

the demons

Plural: no change after na

“Deamhan” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using deamhan, the Irish word for demon.

Chreid siad go raibh deamhan sa teach.

They believed there was a demon in the house.

Ruaig an sagart an deamhan amach.

The priest drove the demon out.

Bhí eagla orthu roimh na deamhain.

They were afraid of the demons.

Chonaic sé aghaidh an deamhain ina bhrionglóid.

He saw the demon's face in his dream.

Deamhan a fhios agam cá bhfuil sé.

I haven't a clue where he is.

Tá scéalta faoi dheamhain i ngach cultúr.

There are stories about demons in every culture.

Deir sí go bhfuil deamhan istigh ann.

She says there is a demon inside him.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Demon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for demon?

The Irish for demon is deamhan (pronounced “jown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deamhain. Depending on context it can also mean fiend.

How do you pronounce deamhan in Irish?

Deamhan is said like “jown” (IPA /dʲaun̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of demon in Irish?

The plural of deamhan is deamhain; with the article, na deamhain means “the demons”. The genitive plural is deamhan, as in rí na ndeamhan (the king of the demons).

Does deamhan have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deamhan can mean demon or fiend, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does deamhan change to dheamhan or ndeamhan?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deamhan becomes mo dheamhan (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeamhan (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'deamhan' and 'diabhal'?

'Diabhal' is the devil, often used in everyday exclamations, while 'deamhan' is a demon or evil spirit in a more general or literary sense.

What does 'deamhan' mean in a phrase like 'deamhan a fhios agam'?

In speech 'deamhan' can be an emphatic negative, as in 'deamhan a fhios agam', meaning 'devil a bit do I know'.

Demon in Irish (Deamhan): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage