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Doing in Irish (Déanamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘déanamh’ also means: build · make

The Irish for doing is déanamh, a masculine noun. Ag déanamh is doing, from the verb déan.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “doing” in Irish

Irish:
déanamh
English:
doing, build, make
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
déan, to do (ag déanamh, doing)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“JAY-nuv”  /ˈdʲeːnˠəvˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
déanaimh, an déanaimh (e.g. le linn an déanaimh, during the making)

What does “déanamh” mean?

“Déanamh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

doing
The act of doing or making something; the verbal noun of the verb déan.Also: making, act of doing, act of making.
2 other meanings: build or make
2build
The physical build or shape of a person or thing.Also: physique, figure, shape, form.
3make
The way something is made, its construction or make.Also: construction, manufacture, structure.

Other Irish words for doing: déanamh (doing)

“Déanamh” as a verbal noun

After ag, déanamh means doing: it is the verbal noun of the verb déan (to do). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
déanamhverbal noun
=
ag déanamhdoing

“Déanamh” with the article

Here is déanamh after the article (an t-alt).

an déanamh
the doing
No change after an

“Déanamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using déanamh, the Irish word for doing.

Tá a lán oibre le déanamh agam inniu.
I have a lot of work to do today.
Níl sásamh le déanamh air.
There's no pleasing him.
Tá déanamh láidir ar an bhfear sin.
That man has a strong build.
Cad atá ar siúl agat? Táim ag déanamh tae.
What are you doing? I'm making tea.
Is maith liom déanamh an tí seo.
I like the construction of this house.
Bhí an déanamh céanna air is a bhí ar a athair.
He had the same build as his father.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Doing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for doing?

The Irish for doing is déanamh (pronounced “JAY-nuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean build or make.

How do you pronounce déanamh in Irish?

Déanamh is said like “JAY-nuv” (IPA /ˈdʲeːnˠəvˠ/).

Does déanamh have a plural?

No plural form is given for déanamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does déanamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Déanamh can mean doing, build or make, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does déanamh change to dhéanamh or ndéanamh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) déanamh becomes mo dhéanamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndéanamh (eclipsis).

How do I say 'I am doing' with déanamh?

Use ag déanamh: Táim ag déanamh mo cheachtanna, 'I am doing my homework'.

What does 'le déanamh' mean?

It means 'to be done': Tá obair le déanamh, 'There is work to be done'.

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