HeyRuaHow to say “lack” in Irish
- Irish:
- díth
- English:
- lack, loss
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “jee” /dʲiː/
- Plural:
- díotha (lacks)
- Genitive singular:
- díthe, na díthe (e.g. cúis na díthe, the cause of the lack)
- Genitive plural:
- díoth, na ndíoth (e.g. méid na ndíoth, the extent of the losses)
What does “díth” mean?
“Díth” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lack
- A want or absence of something that is needed.Also: want, need, shortage, requirement.
“Díth” with the article
The plural of lack in Irish is díotha. Here is díth after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Díth” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using díth, the Irish word for lack.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lack in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lack?
The Irish for lack is díth (pronounced “jee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is díotha. Depending on context it can also mean loss.
How do you pronounce díth in Irish?
Díth is said like “jee” (IPA /dʲiː/).
What is the plural of lack in Irish?
The plural of díth is díotha; with the article, na díotha means “the lacks”. The genitive plural is díoth, as in méid na ndíoth (the extent of the losses).
Does díth have more than one meaning?
Yes. Díth can mean lack or loss, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does díth change to dhíth or ndíth?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) díth becomes mo dhíth (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndíth (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I need something' with díth?
Use the Ulster phrase 'tá X de dhíth orm', e.g. 'tá airgead de dhíth orm' (I need money); elsewhere 'tá X uaim' or 'tá gá agam le X' is more usual.
How is díth different from easpa?
Both mean lack, but díth also carries a sense of loss or deprivation and is common in set phrases like 'díth céille', while 'easpa' is the more neutral everyday word.
