HeyRuaHow to say “knitting needle” in Irish
- Irish:
- dealgán
- English:
- knitting needle, spindle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DYAL-uh-gawn” /ˈdʲalˠəɡaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- dealgáin (knitting needles)
- Genitive singular:
- dealgáin, an dealgáin (e.g. barr an dealgáin, the tip of the knitting needle)
- Genitive plural:
- dealgán, na ndealgán (e.g. péire dealgán, a pair of knitting needles)
What does “dealgán” mean?
“Dealgán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- knitting needle
- A long thin rod, usually of metal or plastic, used in pairs for knitting wool.Also: needle, knitting pin.
1 other meaning: spindle
- 2spindle
- A rod or pin used in spinning thread, or a similar small pointed rod.Also: pin, skewer.
“Dealgán” with the article
The plural of knitting needle in Irish is dealgáin. Here is dealgán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dealgán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dealgán, the Irish word for knitting needle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Knitting needle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for knitting needle?
The Irish for knitting needle is dealgán (pronounced “DYAL-uh-gawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dealgáin. Depending on context it can also mean spindle.
How do you pronounce dealgán in Irish?
Dealgán is said like “DYAL-uh-gawn” (IPA /ˈdʲalˠəɡaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of knitting needle in Irish?
The plural of dealgán is dealgáin; with the article, na dealgáin means “the knitting needles”. The genitive plural is dealgán, as in péire dealgán (a pair of knitting needles).
Does dealgán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dealgán can mean knitting needle or spindle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dealgán change to dhealgán or ndealgán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dealgán becomes mo dhealgán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndealgán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'dealgán' and 'snáthaid'?
A 'dealgán' is a knitting needle, while a 'snáthaid' is a sewing needle with an eye for thread.
