HeyRuaHow to say “lock” in Irish
- Irish:
- dual
- English:
- lock, strand, coil
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “doo-ul” /d̪ˠuəlˠ/
- Plural:
- duail (locks)
- Genitive singular:
- duail, an duail (e.g. fad an duail, the length of the lock)
- Genitive plural:
- dual, na ndual (e.g. fad na ndual, the length of the locks)
What does “dual” mean?
“Dual” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lock
- A lock or tress of hair, often curled or twisted.Also: tress, curl, ringlet.
“Dual” with the article
The plural of lock in Irish is duail. Here is dual after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dual” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dual, the Irish word for lock.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lock in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lock?
The Irish for lock is dual (pronounced “doo-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is duail. Depending on context it can also mean strand or coil.
How do you pronounce dual in Irish?
Dual is said like “doo-ul” (IPA /d̪ˠuəlˠ/).
What is the plural of lock in Irish?
The plural of dual is duail; with the article, na duail means “the locks”. The genitive plural is dual, as in fad na ndual (the length of the locks).
Does dual have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dual can mean lock, strand or coil, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dual change to dhual or ndual?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dual becomes mo dhual (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndual (eclipsis).
Is 'dual' the same as English 'dual'?
No, it is a false friend: Irish 'dual' means a lock of hair or a strand. A separate word 'dual' also appears in 'is dual dó', meaning it is natural or hereditary for him.
What is the difference between 'dual' and 'trilseán'?
A 'dual' is a lock or strand, while a 'trilseán' is a plait made of several strands.
