HeyRuaHow to say “mound” in Irish
- Irish:
- dumha
- English:
- mound, sandbank, heap
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOO-uh” /ˈd̪ˠuːə/
- Plural:
- dumhaí (mounds)
- Genitive singular:
- dumha, an dumha (e.g. barr an dumha, the top of the mound)
- Genitive plural:
- dumhaí, na ndumhaí (e.g. ag siúl i measc na ndumhaí, walking among the mounds)
What does “dumha” mean?
“Dumha” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mound
- A raised heap of earth, especially an ancient burial mound.Also: burial mound, tumulus, barrow.
2 other meanings: sandbank or heap
- 2sandbank
- A hill or bank of sand, such as a dune by the sea.Also: dune, sand dune.
- 3heap
- A pile or heap of something.Also: pile.
Other Irish words for mound: tulach (hillock)
“Dumha” with the article
The plural of mound in Irish is dumhaí. Here is dumha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dumha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dumha, the Irish word for mound.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mound in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mound?
The Irish for mound is dumha (pronounced “DOO-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dumhaí. Depending on context it can also mean sandbank or heap.
How do you pronounce dumha in Irish?
Dumha is said like “DOO-uh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːə/).
What is the plural of mound in Irish?
The plural of dumha is dumhaí; with the article, na dumhaí means “the mounds”. The genitive plural is dumhaí, as in ag siúl i measc na ndumhaí (walking among the mounds).
Does dumha have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dumha can mean mound, sandbank or heap, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dumha change to dhumha or ndumha?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dumha becomes mo dhumha (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndumha (eclipsis).
What is a 'dumha sí'?
A 'dumha sí' is a fairy mound, an ancient mound that folklore says is inhabited by the 'sí' or fairy folk.
How do I say 'sand dune' in Irish?
Use 'dumha gainimh', or simply 'dumha' when the beach context is clear.
