HeyRuaHow to say “ox” in Irish
- Irish:
- damh
- English:
- ox, stag, strong man
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dav” /d̪ˠaw/
- Plural:
- daimh (oxen)
- Genitive singular:
- daimh, an daimh (e.g. adharca an daimh, the ox's horns)
- Genitive plural:
- damh, na ndamh (e.g. cuing na ndamh, the yoke of the oxen)
What does “damh” mean?
“Damh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ox
- A castrated bull, especially one used for pulling a plough or cart.Also: bullock, draught ox, steer.
2 other meanings: stag or strong man
- 2stag
- A male deer, usually called damh fia in full.Also: hart, male deer.
- 3strong man
- A big, strong or heavily built man, used figuratively.Also: champion, hefty person.
“Damh” with the article
The plural of ox in Irish is daimh. Here is damh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Damh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using damh, the Irish word for ox.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ox in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ox?
The Irish for ox is damh (pronounced “dav”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is daimh. Depending on context it can also mean stag or strong man.
How do you pronounce damh in Irish?
Damh is said like “dav” (IPA /d̪ˠaw/).
What is the plural of ox in Irish?
The plural of damh is daimh; with the article, na daimh means “the oxen”. The genitive plural is damh, as in cuing na ndamh (the yoke of the oxen).
Does damh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Damh can mean ox, stag or strong man, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does damh change to dhamh or ndamh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) damh becomes mo dhamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndamh (eclipsis).
How do I say 'stag' in Irish?
Say damh fia or damh allta; damh on its own normally means an ox.
What is the difference between damh and bullán?
Damh is an ox, especially a working one, while bullán is a bullock or young castrated bull.
