HeyRuaHow to say “mussel” in Irish
- Irish:
- diúilicín
- English:
- mussel, shrimp
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DYOO-lih-keen” /ˈdʲuːlʲəciːnʲ/
- Plural:
- diúilicíní (mussels)
- Genitive singular:
- diúilicín, an diúilicín (e.g. blaosc an diúilicín, the shell of the mussel)
- Genitive plural:
- diúilicíní, na ndiúilicíní (e.g. leaba diúilicíní, a mussel bed)
What does “diúilicín” mean?
“Diúilicín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mussel
- A small edible shellfish with a dark blue or black hinged shell, found clinging to rocks on the shore.Also: blue mussel, shellfish.
1 other meaning: shrimp
- 2shrimp
- A small, insignificant person, used playfully or dismissively.Also: small person, titch.
“Diúilicín” with the article
The plural of mussel in Irish is diúilicíní. Here is diúilicín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Diúilicín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using diúilicín, the Irish word for mussel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mussel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mussel?
The Irish for mussel is diúilicín (pronounced “DYOO-lih-keen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is diúilicíní. Depending on context it can also mean shrimp.
How do you pronounce diúilicín in Irish?
Diúilicín is said like “DYOO-lih-keen” (IPA /ˈdʲuːlʲəciːnʲ/).
What is the plural of mussel in Irish?
The plural of diúilicín is diúilicíní; with the article, na diúilicíní means “the mussels”. The genitive plural is diúilicíní, as in leaba diúilicíní (a mussel bed).
Does diúilicín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Diúilicín can mean mussel or shrimp, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does diúilicín change to dhiúilicín or ndiúilicín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) diúilicín becomes mo dhiúilicín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndiúilicín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between diúilicín and oisre?
Diúilicín is a mussel, with a dark elongated shell, while oisre is an oyster, with a rough flat shell.
Can diúilicín describe a person?
Yes, informally it can mean a small, insignificant person, like English 'shrimp', as in 'diúilicín de ghasúr'.
