HeyRuaHow to say “fishhook” in Irish
- Irish:
- duán
- English:
- fishhook, kidney
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOO-awn” /ˈd̪ˠuːɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- duáin (fishhooks)
- Genitive singular:
- duáin, an duáin (e.g. barr an duáin, the point of the hook)
- Genitive plural:
- duán, na nduán (e.g. bosca na nduán, the box of fishhooks)
What does “duán” mean?
“Duán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fishhook
- A small curved metal hook used for catching fish on a line.Also: hook, fish hook, angling hook.
1 other meaning: kidney
- 2kidney
- One of the two organs in the body that filter waste from the blood; the more usual word is 'duán' in this sense too, though 'ára' is also used.Also: kidneys, renal organ.
“Duán” with the article
The plural of fishhook in Irish is duáin. Here is duán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Duán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using duán, the Irish word for fishhook.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fishhook in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fishhook?
The Irish for fishhook is duán (pronounced “DOO-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is duáin. Depending on context it can also mean kidney.
How do you pronounce duán in Irish?
Duán is said like “DOO-awn” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of fishhook in Irish?
The plural of duán is duáin; with the article, na duáin means “the fishhooks”. The genitive plural is duán, as in bosca na nduán (the box of fishhooks).
Does duán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Duán can mean fishhook or kidney, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does duán change to dhuán or nduán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) duán becomes mo dhuán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nduán (eclipsis).
Does 'duán' mean a fishhook or a kidney?
Both: 'duán' is a fishhook, and it is also the usual word for kidney, as in 'duáin' for the kidneys. Context makes it clear.
What is the word for a fishing line?
A fishing line is 'dorú', and the hook on it is 'duán'.
