HeyRuaHow to say “hope” in Irish
- Irish:
- dóchas
- English:
- hope, trust
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOH-khus” /ˈd̪ˠoːxəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- dóchais, an dóchais (e.g. údar dóchais, a cause for hope)
What does “dóchas” mean?
“Dóchas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hope
- The feeling that something you want may happen or that things will turn out well.Also: hopefulness, expectation, optimism.
1 other meaning: trust
- 2trust
- Confidence or reliance placed in a person or thing, used with 'as' (dóchas as duine).Also: reliance, confidence, faith.
Other Irish words for hope: dóigh (expectation)
“Dóchas” with the article
Here is dóchas after the article (an t-alt).
“Dóchas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dóchas, the Irish word for hope.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hope in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hope?
The Irish for hope is dóchas (pronounced “DOH-khus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean trust.
How do you pronounce dóchas in Irish?
Dóchas is said like “DOH-khus” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠoːxəsˠ/).
Does dóchas have a plural?
No plural form is given for dóchas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dóchas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dóchas can mean hope or trust, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dóchas change to dhóchas or ndóchas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dóchas becomes mo dhóchas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndóchas (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I hope' in Irish?
You can say 'Tá dóchas agam go...' but more commonly 'Tá súil agam go...'; both mean 'I hope that...'.
What is the opposite of dóchas?
The opposite is 'éadóchas', meaning despair or hopelessness.
