HeyRuaHow to say “pupil” in Irish
- Irish:
- dalta
- English:
- pupil, foster child, cadet, pet
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DAL-tuh” /ˈd̪ˠal̪ˠt̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- daltaí (pupils)
- Genitive singular:
- dalta, an dalta (e.g. leabhar an dalta, the pupil's book)
- Genitive plural:
- daltaí, na ndaltaí (e.g. tuismitheoirí na ndaltaí, the pupils' parents)
What does “dalta” mean?
“Dalta” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pupil
- A child or young person who attends school and is taught by a teacher.Also: student, schoolchild, learner.
3 other meanings: foster child or cadet or pet
- 2foster child
- A child who is brought up by people other than its own parents.Also: fosterling, foster son.
- 3cadet
- A young person training to become an officer in the army or another service.Also: trainee officer.
- 4pet
- A favourite or darling, someone treated with special fondness.Also: darling, favourite.
“Dalta” with the article
The plural of pupil in Irish is daltaí. Here is dalta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dalta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dalta, the Irish word for pupil.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pupil in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pupil?
The Irish for pupil is dalta (pronounced “DAL-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is daltaí. Depending on context it can also mean foster child or cadet or pet.
How do you pronounce dalta in Irish?
Dalta is said like “DAL-tuh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠal̪ˠt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of pupil in Irish?
The plural of dalta is daltaí; with the article, na daltaí means “the pupils”. The genitive plural is daltaí, as in tuismitheoirí na ndaltaí (the pupils' parents).
Does dalta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dalta can mean pupil, foster child, cadet or pet, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dalta change to dhalta or ndalta?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dalta becomes mo dhalta (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndalta (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'dalta' and 'mac léinn'?
'Dalta' is mainly used for a school pupil, while 'mac léinn' is the usual word for a university or college student.
How do you say 'past pupil' in Irish?
Use 'iardhalta', for example 'iardhaltaí na scoile' (the past pupils of the school).
