HeyRuaHow to say “poem” in Irish
- Irish:
- dán
- English:
- poem, fate, gift
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dawn” /d̪ˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- dánta (poems)
- Genitive singular:
- dáin, an dáin (e.g. teideal an dáin, the title of the poem)
- Genitive plural:
- dánta, na ndánta (e.g. cnuasach na ndánta, the collection of poems)
What does “dán” mean?
“Dán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- poem
- A piece of writing in verse, with rhythm and often rhyme.Also: verse, poetry.
2 other meanings: fate or gift
- 2fate
- What is destined or in store for someone, used mainly in the phrase 'i ndán do'.Also: destiny, lot, in store.
- 3gift
- A gift, talent or art, especially the art of poetry; mostly literary.Also: talent, art, calling.
“Dán” with the article
The plural of poem in Irish is dánta. Here is dán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dán, the Irish word for poem.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Poem in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for poem?
The Irish for poem is dán (pronounced “dawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dánta. Depending on context it can also mean fate or gift.
How do you pronounce dán in Irish?
Dán is said like “dawn” (IPA /d̪ˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of poem in Irish?
The plural of dán is dánta; with the article, na dánta means “the poems”. The genitive plural is dánta, as in cnuasach na ndánta (the collection of poems).
Does dán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dán can mean poem, fate or gift, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dán change to dhán or ndán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dán becomes mo dhán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndán (eclipsis).
What does 'i ndán do' mean?
It means 'in store for' or 'destined for': 'Níl a fhios agam cad atá i ndán dom' means 'I don't know what is in store for me'.
What is the difference between 'dán' and 'filíocht'?
'Dán' is a single poem, while 'filíocht' is poetry in general.
