HeyRuaHow to say “fist” in Irish
- Irish:
- dorn
- English:
- fist, punch, handful
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOR-un” /d̪ˠoːɾˠn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- doirne (fists)
- Genitive singular:
- doirn, an doirn (e.g. cúl an doirn, the back of the fist)
- Genitive plural:
- dorn, na ndorn (e.g. cumhacht na ndorn, the power of the fists)
What does “dorn” mean?
“Dorn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fist
- A hand with the fingers closed tightly into the palm.Also: clenched hand, closed hand.
2 other meanings: punch or handful
- 2punch
- A blow given with the closed hand.Also: blow, thump.
- 3handful
- The amount that can be held in a closed hand.Also: fistful.
“Dorn” with the article
The plural of fist in Irish is doirne. Here is dorn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dorn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dorn, the Irish word for fist.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fist in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fist?
The Irish for fist is dorn (pronounced “DOR-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is doirne. Depending on context it can also mean punch or handful.
How do you pronounce dorn in Irish?
Dorn is said like “DOR-un” (IPA /d̪ˠoːɾˠn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of fist in Irish?
The plural of dorn is doirne; with the article, na doirne means “the fists”. The genitive plural is dorn, as in cumhacht na ndorn (the power of the fists).
Does dorn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dorn can mean fist, punch or handful, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dorn change to dhorn or ndorn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dorn becomes mo dhorn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndorn (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'dorn' and 'glac'?
'Dorn' is a closed fist or a punch, while 'glac' is the open, grasping hand or a handful held loosely.
How do you say 'to punch someone' with 'dorn'?
Use 'dorn a thabhairt do dhuine', for example 'Thug sé dorn dom' means 'He punched me'.
