HeyRuaHow to say “right” in Irish
- Irish:
- deis
- English:
- right, opportunity, facility, good order
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “jesh” /dʲeʃ/
- Plural:
- deiseanna (rights)
- Genitive singular:
- deise, na deise (e.g. taobh na deise, the right-hand side)
- Genitive plural:
- deiseanna, na ndeiseanna (e.g. easpa na ndeiseanna, the lack of opportunities)
What does “deis” mean?
“Deis” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- right
- The right-hand side or direction, the opposite of left.Also: right side, right-hand side, right hand.
3 other meanings: opportunity or facility or good order
- 2opportunity
- A chance or occasion to do something.Also: chance, occasion.
- 3facility
- A means, convenience or piece of equipment that makes something possible or easier.Also: means, convenience, amenity.
- 4good order
- A state of being in good order or repair, as in 'cuir i ndeis' (put in order).Also: repair, trim.
“Deis” with the article
The plural of right in Irish is deiseanna. Here is deis after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deis” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deis, the Irish word for right.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “deis”
Right in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for right?
The Irish for right is deis (pronounced “jesh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is deiseanna. Depending on context it can also mean opportunity or facility or good order.
How do you pronounce deis in Irish?
Deis is said like “jesh” (IPA /dʲeʃ/).
What is the plural of right in Irish?
The plural of deis is deiseanna; with the article, na deiseanna means “the rights”. The genitive plural is deiseanna, as in easpa na ndeiseanna (the lack of opportunities).
Does deis have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deis can mean right, opportunity, facility or good order, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deis change to dheis or ndeis?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deis becomes mo dheis (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeis (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'deis' and 'seans'?
Both can mean chance, but 'deis' is an opportunity to do something (deis a fháil), while 'seans' leans more towards luck or probability (seans go mbeidh sé ann).
How do I say 'turn right' in Irish?
Say 'cas ar dheis' (or 'tiontaigh ar dheis'); 'ar chlé' is to the left.
