Intensity in Irish (Déine): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for intensity?

The Irish for intensity is déine (pronounced “DAY-nyuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean strictness or speed.

Q: Does déine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Déine can mean intensity, strictness or speed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “intensity” in Irish

Irish:: déine
English:: intensity, strictness, speed
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “DAY-nyuh” /ˈdʲeːnʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: déine, na déine (e.g. leibhéal na déine, the level of intensity)

What does “déine” mean?

“Déine” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

intensity: The quality of being intense, severe or vehement, for example of heat, cold or a storm.Also: severity, vehemence, keenness.

2 other meanings: strictness or speed

2strictness: The quality of being strict, harsh or rigorous towards people.Also: harshness, rigour, sternness.
3speed: Swiftness or haste, as in going at full speed.Also: swiftness, haste.

“Déine” with the article

Here is déine after the article (an t-alt).

an déine

the intensity

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Déine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using déine, the Irish word for intensity.

Chuir déine an fhuachta iontas orainn.

The severity of the cold surprised us.

Bhí déine ar leith sa stoirm aréir.

The storm last night was especially fierce.

Ní thaitníonn déine an mhúinteora leis na daltaí.

The pupils don't like the teacher's strictness.

Rith sé abhaile ina dhéine.

He ran home at full speed.

Labhair sí le déine nach raibh súil agam leis.

She spoke with a harshness I didn't expect.

Tháinig méadú ar an déine sa troid.

The intensity of the fighting increased.

Bhí an déine sin le brath ina guth.

That intensity could be felt in her voice.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Intensity in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for intensity?

The Irish for intensity is déine (pronounced “DAY-nyuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean strictness or speed.

How do you pronounce déine in Irish?

Déine is said like “DAY-nyuh” (IPA /ˈdʲeːnʲə/).

Does déine have a plural?

No plural form is given for déine in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does déine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Déine can mean intensity, strictness or speed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does déine change to dhéine or ndéine?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) déine becomes mo dhéine (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndéine (eclipsis).

How is 'déine' related to 'dian'?

'Déine' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'dian' (intense, strict); it is also the comparative form, as in 'níos déine' (stricter).

What does 'ina dhéine' mean?

It means at full speed, e.g. 'Rith sí ina déine' (she ran at full speed); the possessive changes with the person.

Intensity in Irish (Déine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage