HeyRuaHow to say “lateness” in Irish
- Irish:
- déanaí
- English:
- lateness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DAY-nee” /ˈdʲeːn̪ˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- déanaí, na déanaí (e.g. de bharr na déanaí, because of the lateness)
What does “déanaí” mean?
- lateness
- The state of being late or recent; mostly used in the phrase 'le déanaí', meaning recently.Also: recentness, recently, lately.
Other Irish words for lateness: moill (delay), deireanas (lateness), deireanaí (lateness)
“Déanaí” with the article
Here is déanaí after the article (an t-alt).
“Déanaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using déanaí, 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 déanaí (pronounced “DAY-nee”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce déanaí in Irish?
Déanaí is said like “DAY-nee” (IPA /ˈdʲeːn̪ˠiː/).
Does déanaí have a plural?
No plural form is given for déanaí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does déanaí change to dhéanaí or ndéanaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) déanaí becomes mo dhéanaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndéanaí (eclipsis).
How do I say 'recently' in Irish?
Use 'le déanaí', for example 'Ní fhaca mé é le déanaí' (I haven't seen him recently). 'Le gairid' is a common alternative.
Is 'déanaí' related to 'déanach'?
Yes, 'déanaí' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'déanach' (late), and the same form serves as its comparative: 'níos déanaí' means later.
