HeyRuaHow to say “sink” in Irish
- Irish:
- doirteán
- English:
- sink, downpour
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “dir-TYAWN” /dˠɔɾʲˈtʲɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- doirteáin (sinks)
- Genitive singular:
- doirteáin, an doirteáin (e.g. sconna an doirteáin, the sink tap)
- Genitive plural:
- doirteán, na ndoirteán (e.g. poill na ndoirteán, the plugholes of the sinks)
What does “doirteán” mean?
“Doirteán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sink
- A basin with taps and a drain, for example in a kitchen, used for washing dishes or hands.Also: kitchen sink, basin, washbasin.
1 other meaning: downpour
- 2downpour
- A heavy, sudden fall of rain.Also: heavy shower, cloudburst.
Other Irish words for sink: doirteal (sink)
“Doirteán” with the article
The plural of sink in Irish is doirteáin. Here is doirteán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Doirteán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using doirteán, the Irish word for sink.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sink in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sink?
The Irish for sink is doirteán (pronounced “dir-TYAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is doirteáin. Depending on context it can also mean downpour.
How do you pronounce doirteán in Irish?
Doirteán is said like “dir-TYAWN” (IPA /dˠɔɾʲˈtʲɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of sink in Irish?
The plural of doirteán is doirteáin; with the article, na doirteáin means “the sinks”. The genitive plural is doirteán, as in poill na ndoirteán (the plugholes of the sinks).
Does doirteán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Doirteán can mean sink or downpour, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does doirteán change to dhoirteán or ndoirteán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) doirteán becomes mo dhoirteán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndoirteán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between doirteán and báisín?
A doirteán is a sink fixed to plumbing, especially in a kitchen, while a báisín is a basin or bowl, which can also mean a washbasin.
