HeyRuaHow to say “orphan” in Irish
- Irish:
- dílleachta
- English:
- orphan
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DEEL-yukh-tuh” /ˈdʲiːlʲəxt̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- dílleachtaí (orphans)
- Genitive singular:
- dílleachta, an dílleachta (e.g. cearta an dílleachta, the rights of the orphan)
- Genitive plural:
- dílleachtaí, na ndílleachtaí (e.g. teach na ndílleachtaí, the orphans' home)
What does “dílleachta” mean?
- orphan
- A child whose parents have died.Also: orphaned child, parentless child.
“Dílleachta” with the article
The plural of orphan in Irish is dílleachtaí. Here is dílleachta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dílleachta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dílleachta, the Irish word for orphan.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Orphan in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for orphan?
The Irish for orphan is dílleachta (pronounced “DEEL-yukh-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dílleachtaí.
How do you pronounce dílleachta in Irish?
Dílleachta is said like “DEEL-yukh-tuh” (IPA /ˈdʲiːlʲəxt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of orphan in Irish?
The plural of dílleachta is dílleachtaí; with the article, na dílleachtaí means “the orphans”. The genitive plural is dílleachtaí, as in teach na ndílleachtaí (the orphans' home).
Why does dílleachta change to dhílleachta or ndílleachta?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dílleachta becomes mo dhílleachta (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndílleachta (eclipsis).
What is the Irish for orphanage?
An orphanage is 'dílleachtlann', or 'teach dílleachtaí'.
How do I say someone was left an orphan?
Use the 'i' plus possessive construction: 'Fágadh ina dhílleachta é' (he was left an orphan).
