HeyRuaHow to say “exile” in Irish
- Irish:
- deoraí
- English:
- exile, stranger
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DYOR-ee” /ˈdʲoːɾˠiː/
- Plural:
- deoraithe (exiles)
- Genitive singular:
- deoraí, an deoraí (e.g. saol an deoraí, the life of the exile)
- Genitive plural:
- deoraithe, na ndeoraithe (e.g. amhráin na ndeoraithe, the songs of the exiles)
What does “deoraí” mean?
“Deoraí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- exile
- A person who has been banished from, or has had to leave, their home or country.Also: expatriate, emigrant, outcast.
1 other meaning: stranger
- 2stranger
- A wanderer or stranger, someone far from home with no place of their own.Also: wanderer, outsider.
Other Irish words for exile: deoraíocht (exile)
“Deoraí” with the article
The plural of exile in Irish is deoraithe. Here is deoraí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deoraí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deoraí, the Irish word for exile.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Exile in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for exile?
The Irish for exile is deoraí (pronounced “DYOR-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deoraithe. Depending on context it can also mean stranger.
How do you pronounce deoraí in Irish?
Deoraí is said like “DYOR-ee” (IPA /ˈdʲoːɾˠiː/).
What is the plural of exile in Irish?
The plural of deoraí is deoraithe; with the article, na deoraithe means “the exiles”. The genitive plural is deoraithe, as in amhráin na ndeoraithe (the songs of the exiles).
Does deoraí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deoraí can mean exile or stranger, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deoraí change to dheoraí or ndeoraí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deoraí becomes mo dheoraí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeoraí (eclipsis).
What is the word for the state of being in exile?
That is 'deoraíocht', as in 'ar deoraíocht', meaning in exile.
Is 'deoraí' related to 'deoir', a tear?
No, despite the similar look, 'deoraí' is not formed from 'deoir'; it is an old word for a stranger or exile.
