HeyRuaHow to say “desire” in Irish
- Irish:
- dúil
- English:
- desire, expectation
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dool” /d̪ˠuːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- dúile, na dúile (e.g. ábhar dúile, an object of desire)
What does “dúil” mean?
“Dúil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- desire
- A liking, fondness or craving for something, used in the phrase 'tá dúil agam i' (I like, I am fond of).Also: liking, fondness, appetite, craving, hankering.
“Dúil” with the article
Here is dúil after the article (an t-alt).
“Dúil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dúil, the Irish word for desire.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Desire in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for desire?
The Irish for desire is dúil (pronounced “dool”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean expectation.
How do you pronounce dúil in Irish?
Dúil is said like “dool” (IPA /d̪ˠuːlʲ/).
Does dúil have a plural?
No plural form is given for dúil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dúil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dúil can mean desire or expectation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dúil change to dhúil or ndúil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dúil becomes mo dhúil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndúil (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I like' something using dúil?
Say 'Tá dúil agam i' followed by the thing, e.g. 'Tá dúil agam i seacláid' (I like chocolate); use 'sa' with the article.
Is dúil the same as dúil meaning 'element' or 'creature'?
No, 'dúil' (element, created being) is a separate word; this entry means desire or liking.
