HeyRuaHow to say “doctor” in Irish
- Irish:
- dochtúir
- English:
- doctor, doctor (academic)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dukh-TOOR” /d̪ˠɔxˈt̪ˠuːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- dochtúirí (doctors)
- Genitive singular:
- dochtúra, an dochtúra (e.g. oifig an dochtúra, the doctor's office)
- Genitive plural:
- dochtúirí, na ndochtúirí (e.g. líon na ndochtúirí, the number of doctors)
What does “dochtúir” mean?
“Dochtúir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- doctor
- A person trained and qualified to treat sick or injured people.Also: physician, gp, medic.
1 other meaning: doctor (academic)
- 2doctor (academic)
- A person who holds a doctorate, the highest university degree.Also: doctor, PhD holder, doctorate holder.
“Dochtúir” with the article
The plural of doctor in Irish is dochtúirí. Here is dochtúir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dochtúir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dochtúir, the Irish word for doctor.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Doctor in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for doctor?
The Irish for doctor is dochtúir (pronounced “dukh-TOOR”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dochtúirí. Depending on context it can also mean doctor (academic).
How do you pronounce dochtúir in Irish?
Dochtúir is said like “dukh-TOOR” (IPA /d̪ˠɔxˈt̪ˠuːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of doctor in Irish?
The plural of dochtúir is dochtúirí; with the article, na dochtúirí means “the doctors”. The genitive plural is dochtúirí, as in líon na ndochtúirí (the number of doctors).
Does dochtúir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dochtúir can mean doctor or doctor (academic), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dochtúir change to dhochtúir or ndochtúir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dochtúir becomes mo dhochtúir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndochtúir (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I'm going to the doctor'?
Say 'Tá mé ag dul chuig an dochtúir'; 'ag an dochtúir' means 'at the doctor's'.
Is there a more formal word for doctor?
Yes, 'lia' means physician in formal or official use, but 'dochtúir' is the everyday word.
