HeyRuaHow to say “diphthong” in Irish
- Irish:
- défhoghar
- English:
- diphthong
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DAY-oh-er” /ˈdʲeːˌoːəɾ/
- Plural:
- défhoghair (diphthongs)
- Genitive singular:
- défhoghair, an défhoghair (e.g. fuaim an défhoghair, the sound of the diphthong)
- Genitive plural:
- défhoghar, na ndéfhoghar (e.g. fuaimniú na ndéfhoghar, the pronunciation of diphthongs)
What does “défhoghar” mean?
- diphthong
- A vowel sound that glides from one vowel quality to another within a single syllable.Also: double vowel sound, gliding vowel.
“Défhoghar” with the article
The plural of diphthong in Irish is défhoghair. Here is défhoghar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Défhoghar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using défhoghar, the Irish word for diphthong.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Diphthong in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for diphthong?
The Irish for diphthong is défhoghar (pronounced “DAY-oh-er”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is défhoghair.
How do you pronounce défhoghar in Irish?
Défhoghar is said like “DAY-oh-er” (IPA /ˈdʲeːˌoːəɾ/).
What is the plural of diphthong in Irish?
The plural of défhoghar is défhoghair; with the article, na défhoghair means “the diphthongs”. The genitive plural is défhoghar, as in fuaimniú na ndéfhoghar (the pronunciation of diphthongs).
Why does défhoghar change to dhéfhoghar or ndéfhoghar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) défhoghar becomes mo dhéfhoghar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndéfhoghar (eclipsis).
How is 'défhoghar' formed?
It combines the prefix dé- (two) with foghar (sound), the fh being silent, just as 'diphthong' comes from Greek for 'two sounds'.
