Department in Irish (Roinn): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for department?

The Irish for department is roinn (pronounced “rin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ranna. Depending on context it can also mean share or division or region.

Q: What is the plural of department in Irish?

The plural of roinn is ranna; with the article, na ranna means “the departments”. The genitive plural is ranna, as in rúnaithe na ranna (the secretaries of the departments).

Q: Does roinn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Roinn can mean department, share, division or region, depending on context; the first is the most common. Roinn also has its own entry as a verb meaning to divide.

How to say “department” in Irish

Irish:: roinn
English:: department, share, division, region
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “rin” /ɾˠɪnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: ranna (departments)
Genitive singular:: roinne, na roinne (e.g. ceannasaí na roinne, head of the department)
Genitive plural:: ranna, na ranna (e.g. rúnaithe na ranna, the secretaries of the departments)

What does “roinn” mean?

“Roinn” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

department: A division of government or of an organisation, such as a university, responsible for a particular area.Also: ministry, section.

3 other meanings: share or division or region

2share: A part or portion of something that is divided among people.Also: portion, part, division.
3division: The act of dividing, including division in arithmetic.Also: dividing, sharing.
4region: A division of land or territory; a district or area.Also: district, area.

Other entries for “roinn”

The same spelling has its own page as:

roinnto divide · verb

“Roinn” with the article

The plural of department in Irish is ranna. Here is roinn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an roinn

the department

No change after an

na ranna

the departments

Plural: no change after na

“Roinn” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using roinn, the Irish word for department.

Tá sé ag obair sa Roinn Oideachais.

He works in the Department of Education.

Fuair gach duine a roinn féin den bhrabús.

Everyone got their own share of the profit.

Tá an roinn sin an-ghnóthach i mbliana.

That department is very busy this year.

Labhair mé le ceann na roinne inné.

I spoke to the head of the department yesterday.

Tá cúig roinn san ollscoil seo.

There are five departments in this university.

Bhí na ranna rialtais ag obair le chéile.

The government departments were working together.

Tá mo roinn ag bogadh go foirgneamh nua.

My department is moving to a new building.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cothabháilmaintenance aignemind éisteachtlistening amhrasdoubt rásaying comharcooperation

Department in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for department?

The Irish for department is roinn (pronounced “rin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ranna. Depending on context it can also mean share or division or region.

How do you pronounce roinn in Irish?

Roinn is said like “rin” (IPA /ɾˠɪnʲ/).

What is the plural of department in Irish?

The plural of roinn is ranna; with the article, na ranna means “the departments”. The genitive plural is ranna, as in rúnaithe na ranna (the secretaries of the departments).

Does roinn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Roinn can mean department, share, division or region, depending on context; the first is the most common. Roinn also has its own entry as a verb meaning to divide.

Is 'roinn' also a verb?

Yes, the verb roinn means 'divide' or 'share', and its verbal noun is roinnt: Tá mé ag roinnt tí le cara.

What is the difference between 'roinn' and 'rannóg'?

Roinn is a whole department, such as a government department, while rannóg usually means a smaller section or branch within it.

Department in Irish (Roinn): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage