HeyRuaHow to say “expectation” in Irish
- Irish:
- dóigh
- English:
- expectation, likelihood, trust
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “doh-ee” /d̪ˠoːɟ/
- Plural:
- dóigheanna (expectations)
- Genitive singular:
- dóighe, na dóighe (e.g. ábhar dóighe, grounds for hope)
- Genitive plural:
- dóigheanna, na ndóigheanna (e.g. deireadh na ndóigheanna, the end of the expectations)
What does “dóigh” mean?
“Dóigh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- expectation
- A feeling or belief that something is likely to happen; hope or expectation.Also: hope, anticipation.
2 other meanings: likelihood or trust
- 2likelihood
- Probability or supposition, used mainly in the phrase 'is dóigh' meaning 'it is likely' or 'is dóigh liom' meaning 'I think'.Also: probability, supposition, opinion.
- 3trust
- Confidence or trust placed in someone or something, as in 'dóigh as'.Also: confidence, reliance.
“Is dóigh liom”: I think
Is dóigh liom go… is I think that…; go puts an urú on the verb (go bhfuil), and in the past it becomes gur.
Is dóigh liom go bhfuil an ceart agat. I think you are right.
Ní dóigh liom é. I don't think so.
Similar phrases: is cuma liom (I don't mind), is maith liom (I like).
“Dóigh” with the article
The plural of expectation in Irish is dóigheanna. Here is dóigh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dóigh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dóigh, the Irish word for expectation.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “dóigh”
Expectation in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for expectation?
The Irish for expectation is dóigh (pronounced “doh-ee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dóigheanna. Depending on context it can also mean likelihood or trust.
How do you say I think so in Irish?
Is dóigh liom é. I don't think so is Ní dóigh liom é, and I think that… is Is dóigh liom go…, with an urú on the verb: Is dóigh liom go bhfuil sé ceart.
How do you pronounce dóigh in Irish?
Dóigh is said like “doh-ee” (IPA /d̪ˠoːɟ/).
What is the plural of expectation in Irish?
The plural of dóigh is dóigheanna; with the article, na dóigheanna means “the expectations”. The genitive plural is dóigheanna, as in deireadh na ndóigheanna (the end of the expectations).
Does dóigh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dóigh can mean expectation, likelihood or trust, depending on context; the first is the most common. Dóigh also has its own entry as a verb meaning to burn.
Why does dóigh change to dhóigh or ndóigh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dóigh becomes mo dhóigh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndóigh (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I think' using dóigh?
Use 'is dóigh liom' followed by 'go': 'Is dóigh liom go bhfuil sé ceart' means 'I think it is right'; the negative is 'ní dóigh liom'.
Is this the same word as dóigh meaning 'way, manner'?
No, 'dóigh' meaning 'way, manner' (as in 'Cén dóigh?', common in Ulster) is a separate headword, and 'dóigh' is also the verb 'burn'.
