HeyRuaHow to say “matter” in Irish
- Irish:
- damhna
- English:
- matter, subject, makings
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOW-nuh” /ˈd̪ˠəunˠə/
- Plural:
- damhnaí (matters)
- Genitive singular:
- damhna, an damhna (e.g. staideanna an damhna, the states of matter)
- Genitive plural:
- damhnaí, na ndamhnaí (e.g. airíonna damhnaí éagsúla, the properties of various substances)
What does “damhna” mean?
“Damhna” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- matter
- Physical substance or material that things are made of.Also: substance, material, stuff.
2 other meanings: subject or makings
- 2subject
- The subject or cause of something, such as a reason for talk, grief or complaint.Also: cause, reason, grounds.
- 3makings
- A person who has the qualities to become something, as in the makings of a priest or a candidate.Also: potential, eligible person, candidate.
Other Irish words for matter: ábhar (material)
“Damhna” with the article
The plural of matter in Irish is damhnaí. Here is damhna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Damhna” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using damhna, the Irish word for matter.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Matter in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for matter?
The Irish for matter is damhna (pronounced “DOW-nuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is damhnaí. Depending on context it can also mean subject or makings.
How do you pronounce damhna in Irish?
Damhna is said like “DOW-nuh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠəunˠə/).
What is the plural of matter in Irish?
The plural of damhna is damhnaí; with the article, na damhnaí means “the matters”. The genitive plural is damhnaí, as in airíonna damhnaí éagsúla (the properties of various substances).
Does damhna have more than one meaning?
Yes. Damhna can mean matter, subject or makings, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does damhna change to dhamhna or ndamhna?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) damhna becomes mo dhamhna (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndamhna (eclipsis).
What is the difference between damhna and ábhar?
Ábhar is the everyday word for material or subject, while damhna is used especially for physical matter in science and in phrases like damhna sagairt, the makings of a priest.
