HeyRuaHow to say “leaf” in Irish
- Irish:
- duille
- English:
- leaf, eyelid
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DIL-yuh” /ˈd̪ˠɪlʲə/
- Plural:
- duillí (leaves)
- Genitive singular:
- duille, an duille (e.g. cruth an duille, the shape of the leaf)
- Genitive plural:
- duillí, na nduillí (e.g. boladh na nduillí, the smell of the leaves)
What does “duille” mean?
“Duille” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- leaf
- A leaf of a plant or tree; also used collectively for foliage.Also: foliage, leaves.
1 other meaning: eyelid
- 2eyelid
- In the phrase 'duille súile', the eyelid.Also: lid.
Other Irish words for leaf: duilleog (leaf)
“Duille” with the article
The plural of leaf in Irish is duillí. Here is duille after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Duille” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using duille, the Irish word for leaf.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Leaf in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for leaf?
The Irish for leaf is duille (pronounced “DIL-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is duillí. Depending on context it can also mean eyelid.
How do you pronounce duille in Irish?
Duille is said like “DIL-yuh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠɪlʲə/).
What is the plural of leaf in Irish?
The plural of duille is duillí; with the article, na duillí means “the leaves”. The genitive plural is duillí, as in boladh na nduillí (the smell of the leaves).
Does duille have more than one meaning?
Yes. Duille can mean leaf or eyelid, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does duille change to dhuille or nduille?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) duille becomes mo dhuille (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nduille (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'duille' and 'duilleog'?
Both mean leaf, but 'duilleog' is the more common everyday word and also means a leaf or page of a book, while 'duille' is more literary or collective.
