HeyRuaHow to say “lateness” in Irish
- Irish:
- deireanaí
- English:
- lateness, recently (in le deireanaí)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “JER-uh-nee” /ˈdʲɛɾʲənˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- deireanaí, na deireanaí (e.g. de bharr deireanaí na huaire, because of the lateness of the hour)
What does “deireanaí” mean?
“Deireanaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lateness
- The state of being late, especially the lateness of the hour or of the season.Also: late hour, tardiness.
“Deireanaí” with the article
Here is deireanaí after the article (an t-alt).
“Deireanaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deireanaí, the Irish word for lateness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lateness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lateness?
The Irish for lateness is deireanaí (pronounced “JER-uh-nee”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean recently (in le deireanaí).
How do you pronounce deireanaí in Irish?
Deireanaí is said like “JER-uh-nee” (IPA /ˈdʲɛɾʲənˠiː/).
Does deireanaí have a plural?
No plural form is given for deireanaí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does deireanaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deireanaí can mean lateness or recently (in le deireanaí), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deireanaí change to dheireanaí or ndeireanaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deireanaí becomes mo dheireanaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeireanaí (eclipsis).
Is 'le deireanaí' the same as 'le déanaí'?
Yes, both mean 'lately' or 'recently'; 'le déanaí' is more common in standard Irish, but 'le deireanaí' is also correct.
