HeyRuaHow to say “good word” in Irish
- Irish:
- dea-fhocal
- English:
- good word, witty saying
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “dya-OK-ul” /dʲaˈɔkəlˠ/
- Plural:
- dea-fhocail (good words)
- Genitive singular:
- dea-fhocail, an dea-fhocail (e.g. cumhacht an dea-fhocail, the power of a kind word)
- Genitive plural:
- dea-fhocal, na ndea-fhocal (e.g. neart dea-fhocal, plenty of kind words)
What does “dea-fhocal” mean?
“Dea-fhocal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- good word
- A kind, encouraging or favourable remark said about or to someone.Also: kind word, compliment, praise, kind remark.
1 other meaning: witty saying
- 2witty saying
- A clever, apt or witty remark.Also: witticism, bon mot, apt remark.
“Dea-fhocal” with the article
The plural of good word in Irish is dea-fhocail. Here is dea-fhocal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dea-fhocal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dea-fhocal, the Irish word for good word.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Good word in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for good word?
The Irish for good word is dea-fhocal (pronounced “dya-OK-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dea-fhocail. Depending on context it can also mean witty saying.
How do you pronounce dea-fhocal in Irish?
Dea-fhocal is said like “dya-OK-ul” (IPA /dʲaˈɔkəlˠ/).
What is the plural of good word in Irish?
The plural of dea-fhocal is dea-fhocail; with the article, na dea-fhocail means “the good words”. The genitive plural is dea-fhocal, as in neart dea-fhocal (plenty of kind words).
Does dea-fhocal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dea-fhocal can mean good word or witty saying, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dea-fhocal change to dhea-fhocal or ndea-fhocal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dea-fhocal becomes mo dhea-fhocal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndea-fhocal (eclipsis).
How do I say 'put in a good word for someone'?
Use 'dea-fhocal a chur isteach do dhuine', for example 'Chuir sé dea-fhocal isteach dom'.
Why is the f silent?
The prefix 'dea-' lenites the following word, so 'focal' becomes 'fhocal' in 'dea-fhocal', and fh is silent.
