HeyRuaHow to say “ditch” in Irish
- Irish:
- díog
- English:
- ditch, trench
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “jeeg” /dʲiːɡ/
- Plural:
- díoga (ditches)
- Genitive singular:
- díge, na díge (e.g. bruach na díge, the bank of the ditch)
- Genitive plural:
- díog, na ndíog (e.g. glanadh na ndíog, cleaning the ditches)
What does “díog” mean?
“Díog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ditch
- A long narrow channel dug in the ground, often along a field or road, to hold or carry away water.Also: trench, drain, dyke.
“Díog” with the article
The plural of ditch in Irish is díoga. Here is díog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Díog” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using díog, the Irish word for ditch.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ditch in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ditch?
The Irish for ditch is díog (pronounced “jeeg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is díoga. Depending on context it can also mean trench.
How do you pronounce díog in Irish?
Díog is said like “jeeg” (IPA /dʲiːɡ/).
What is the plural of ditch in Irish?
The plural of díog is díoga; with the article, na díoga means “the ditches”. The genitive plural is díog, as in glanadh na ndíog (cleaning the ditches).
Does díog have more than one meaning?
Yes. Díog can mean ditch or trench, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does díog change to dhíog or ndíog?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) díog becomes mo dhíog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndíog (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'díog' and 'claí'?
A 'díog' is the dug channel, a ditch, while a 'claí' is the raised bank or stone wall beside it. In Hiberno-English 'ditch' can mean the bank, but in Irish that is 'claí'.
