HeyRuaHow to say “drink” in Irish
- Irish:
- deoch
- English:
- drink, alcoholic drink, potion
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “dyukh” /dʲɔx/
- Plural:
- deochanna (drinks)
- Genitive singular:
- dí, na dí (e.g. blas na dí, the taste of the drink)
- Genitive plural:
- deochanna, na ndeochanna (e.g. praghas na ndeochanna, the price of the drinks)
What does “deoch” mean?
“Deoch” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- drink
- A liquid for drinking, or an amount of it taken at one time.Also: beverage, draught, sip.
2 other meanings: alcoholic drink or potion
- 2alcoholic drink
- Alcohol, or a drink of alcohol, as in going for a drink.Also: alcohol, booze, pint.
- 3potion
- A liquid preparation taken as a medicine or with a special effect, such as a sleeping draught.Also: draught, dose.
Other Irish words for drink: ól (drinking), ól (drink), alcól (alcohol), dram (dram)
“Deoch” with the article
The plural of drink in Irish is deochanna. Here is deoch after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deoch” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deoch, the Irish word for drink.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Drink in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for drink?
The Irish for drink is deoch (pronounced “dyukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is deochanna. Depending on context it can also mean alcoholic drink or potion.
How do you pronounce deoch in Irish?
Deoch is said like “dyukh” (IPA /dʲɔx/).
What is the plural of drink in Irish?
The plural of deoch is deochanna; with the article, na deochanna means “the drinks”. The genitive plural is deochanna, as in praghas na ndeochanna (the price of the drinks).
Does deoch have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deoch can mean drink, alcoholic drink or potion, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deoch change to dheoch or ndeoch?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deoch becomes mo dheoch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeoch (eclipsis).
How do I say 'one for the road' in Irish?
Use 'deoch an dorais', literally 'the drink of the door', offered as a guest leaves.
Does 'deoch' always mean alcohol?
No, 'deoch' is any drink; for alcohol specifically say 'deoch láidir' or use 'ól', as in 'tá sé tugtha don ól'.
