Duty in Irish (Dualgas): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for duty?

The Irish for duty is dualgas (pronounced “DOO-uhl-guhs”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dualgais. Depending on context it can also mean right.

Q: What is the plural of duty in Irish?

The plural of dualgas is dualgais; with the article, na dualgais means “the duties”. The genitive plural is dualgas, as in liosta na ndualgas (the list of duties).

Q: Does dualgas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dualgas can mean duty or right, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “duty” in Irish

Irish:: dualgas
English:: duty, right
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “DOO-uhl-guhs” /ˈd̪ˠuəl̪ˠɡəsˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: dualgais (duties)
Genitive singular:: dualgais, an dualgais (e.g. comhlíonadh an dualgais, fulfilment of the duty)
Genitive plural:: dualgas, na ndualgas (e.g. liosta na ndualgas, the list of duties)

What does “dualgas” mean?

“Dualgas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

duty: Something you are obliged to do, morally, legally or as part of your job.Also: obligation, onus, responsibility.

1 other meaning: right

2right: A natural or traditional right or due that someone is entitled to.Also: due, entitlement.

Other Irish words for duty: freagracht (responsibility), oibleagáid (obligation)

“Dualgas” with the article

The plural of duty in Irish is dualgais. Here is dualgas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dualgas

the duty

No change after an

na dualgais

the duties

Plural: no change after na

“Dualgas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dualgas, the Irish word for duty.

Tá mé ar dualgas anocht.

I'm on duty tonight.

Tá dualgas orm tú a chosaint.

I have a duty to protect you.

Caithfidh mé an dualgas a chomhlíonadh.

I must do my duty.

Níl aon dualgas ort vótáil mura mian leat.

You're not obliged to vote if you don't want to.

Tá a lán dualgas nua aici sa phost.

She has a lot of new duties in the job.

Rinne sé a dhualgas go maith.

He did his duty well.

Is é mo dhualgas aire a thabhairt do na páistí.

It's my duty to look after the children.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Duty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for duty?

The Irish for duty is dualgas (pronounced “DOO-uhl-guhs”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dualgais. Depending on context it can also mean right.

How do you pronounce dualgas in Irish?

Dualgas is said like “DOO-uhl-guhs” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuəl̪ˠɡəsˠ/).

What is the plural of duty in Irish?

The plural of dualgas is dualgais; with the article, na dualgais means “the duties”. The genitive plural is dualgas, as in liosta na ndualgas (the list of duties).

Does dualgas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dualgas can mean duty or right, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dualgas change to dhualgas or ndualgas?

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

How do I say 'I have a duty to' in Irish?

Use 'tá dualgas ar' with the person: 'Tá dualgas orm é a dhéanamh' means 'I have a duty to do it'.

Is 'dualgas' the same as 'cáin' for a customs duty?

No, 'dualgas' is a moral or job duty; a tax or customs duty is usually 'cáin' or 'dleacht', e.g. 'dleacht chustaim'.

Duty in Irish (Dualgas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage