HeyRuaHow to say “roof” in Irish
- Irish:
- díon
- English:
- roof, shelter, proofing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- díon, to protect (ag díon, protecting)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “jeen” /dʲiːnˠ/
- Plural:
- díonta (roofs)
- Genitive singular:
- dín, an dín (e.g. barr an dín, the top of the roof)
- Genitive plural:
- díonta, na ndíonta (e.g. deisiú na ndíonta, the repair of the roofs)
What does “díon” mean?
“Díon” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- roof
- The covering on top of a building or vehicle.Also: rooftop, roofing.
2 other meanings: shelter or proofing
- 2shelter
- Protection or cover from weather or harm.Also: protection, cover, covering.
- 3proofing
- The verbal noun of the verb díon, the act of protecting or making something proof against water or weather.Also: protecting, sheltering.
“Díon” as a verbal noun
After ag, díon means protecting: it is the verbal noun of the verb díon (to protect). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Díon” with the article
The plural of roof in Irish is díonta. Here is díon after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Díon” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using díon, the Irish word for roof.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Roof in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for roof?
The Irish for roof is díon (pronounced “jeen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is díonta. Depending on context it can also mean shelter or proofing.
How do you pronounce díon in Irish?
Díon is said like “jeen” (IPA /dʲiːnˠ/).
What is the plural of roof in Irish?
The plural of díon is díonta; with the article, na díonta means “the roofs”. The genitive plural is díonta, as in deisiú na ndíonta (the repair of the roofs).
Does díon have more than one meaning?
Yes. Díon can mean roof, shelter or proofing, depending on context; the first is the most common. Díon also has its own entry as a verb meaning to protect.
Why does díon change to dhíon or ndíon?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) díon becomes mo dhíon (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndíon (eclipsis).
What is the difference between díon and síleáil?
Díon is the roof on the outside of a building, while síleáil is the ceiling you see from inside a room.
How do you say waterproof in Irish?
Use díonach or uiscedhíonach, both related to díon in the sense of protection.
