Exile in Irish (Deoraíocht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for exile?

The Irish for exile is deoraíocht (pronounced “DYOR-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wandering, homelessness.

Q: Does deoraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deoraíocht can mean exile or wandering, homelessness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “exile” in Irish

Irish:: deoraíocht
English:: exile, wandering, homelessness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “DYOR-ee-ukht” /ˈdʲoːɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: deoraíochta, na deoraíochta (e.g. blianta na deoraíochta, the years of exile)

What does “deoraíocht” mean?

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

exile: The state of being forced or choosing to live away from your own country or home.Also: banishment, living abroad, emigration, diaspora.

1 other meaning: wandering, homelessness

2wandering, homelessness: The condition of being a stranger or wanderer without a settled home.Also: homelessness, alienation, estrangement.

Other Irish words for exile: deoraí (exile)

“Deoraíocht” with the article

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

an deoraíocht

the exile

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Deoraíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using deoraíocht, the Irish word for exile.

Chaith sé fiche bliain ar deoraíocht i Meiriceá.

He spent twenty years in exile in America.

Cuireadh an rí ar deoraíocht.

The king was sent into exile.

Is deacair an deoraíocht do dhaoine óga.

Exile is hard for young people.

Scríobh sí dánta faoi bhrón na deoraíochta.

She wrote poems about the sorrow of exile.

Bhí an deoraíocht ina hábhar mór sna hamhráin.

Exile was a big theme in the songs.

D'fhill sé abhaile tar éis na deoraíochta.

He returned home after his exile.

Mhothaigh mé mar a bheinn ar deoraíocht i mo chathair féin.

I felt as if I were in exile in my own city.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

comharthasign maoiniúfunding sprioctarget cabhairhelp fuilblood breithiúnasjudgment

Exile in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for exile?

The Irish for exile is deoraíocht (pronounced “DYOR-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wandering, homelessness.

How do you pronounce deoraíocht in Irish?

Deoraíocht is said like “DYOR-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈdʲoːɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does deoraíocht have a plural?

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

Does deoraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deoraíocht can mean exile or wandering, homelessness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does deoraíocht change to dheoraíocht or ndeoraíocht?

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

How do I say someone is in exile?

Use 'ar deoraíocht', for example 'Tá sé ar deoraíocht' means he is in exile.

What is the word for an exile, the person?

The person is 'deoraí'; 'deoraíocht' is the state of exile.

Exile in Irish (Deoraíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage