HeyRuaHow to say “red colour” in Irish
- Irish:
- dearg
- English:
- red colour, red part
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “JAR-ug” /dʲaɾˠəɡ/
- Genitive singular:
- deirg, an deirg (e.g. ag dul i leith an deirg, shading towards red)
What does “dearg” mean?
“Dearg” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- red colour
- The colour red itself, spoken of as a thing, as in 'an dearg', the red.Also: the colour red, redness, red pigment.
1 other meaning: red part
- 2red part
- A red thing or the red part of something, such as red clothing or the red of a flag.Also: red thing, red clothing, red one.
Other Irish words for red colour: deirge (redness)
The same spelling has its own page as:
“Dearg” with the article
Here is dearg after the article (an t-alt).
“Dearg” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dearg, the Irish word for red colour.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Red colour in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for red colour?
The Irish for red colour is dearg (pronounced “JAR-ug”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean red part.
How do you pronounce dearg in Irish?
Dearg is said like “JAR-ug” (IPA /dʲaɾˠəɡ/).
Does dearg have a plural?
No plural form is given for dearg in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dearg have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dearg can mean red colour or red part, depending on context; the first is the most common. Dearg also has its own entry as an adjective meaning red. Dearg also has its own entry as a verb meaning to redden.
Why does dearg change to dhearg or ndearg?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dearg becomes mo dhearg (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndearg (eclipsis).
Is 'rua' the same as 'dearg'?
No: 'dearg' is bright red, while 'rua' is reddish brown, used for hair and foxes, as in 'gruaig rua'.
