Slavery in Irish (Daoirse): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for slavery?

The Irish for slavery is daoirse (pronounced “DEER-shuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean oppression.

Q: Does daoirse have more than one meaning?

Yes. Daoirse can mean slavery or oppression, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “slavery” in Irish

Irish:: daoirse
English:: slavery, oppression
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “DEER-shuh” /ˈd̪ˠiːɾˠʃə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: daoirse, na daoirse (e.g. deireadh na daoirse, the end of slavery)

What does “daoirse” mean?

“Daoirse” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

slavery: The state of being enslaved or held in bondage, without freedom.Also: bondage, servitude, enslavement.

1 other meaning: oppression

2oppression: Harsh subjection or oppression of a people or person.Also: subjection, tyranny.

Other Irish words for slavery: sclábhaíocht (slavery)

“Daoirse” with the article

Here is daoirse after the article (an t-alt).

an daoirse

the slavery

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Daoirse” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using daoirse, the Irish word for slavery.

Bhí na daoine sin i ndaoirse ar feadh na mblianta.

Those people were in bondage for years.

Cuireadh deireadh leis an daoirse sa naoú haois déag.

Slavery was abolished in the nineteenth century.

Throid sé in aghaidh na daoirse ar feadh a shaoil.

He fought against slavery all his life.

Ní raibh siad sásta fanacht faoi dhaoirse níos faide.

They were not willing to stay under oppression any longer.

Is scéal brónach é scéal na daoirse.

The story of slavery is a sad one.

Saoradh an pobal ón daoirse sa deireadh.

The people were finally freed from bondage.

Ba í an daoirse an choir ba mhó.

Slavery was the greatest crime.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Slavery in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for slavery?

The Irish for slavery is daoirse (pronounced “DEER-shuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean oppression.

How do you pronounce daoirse in Irish?

Daoirse is said like “DEER-shuh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠiːɾˠʃə/).

Does daoirse have a plural?

No plural form is given for daoirse in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does daoirse have more than one meaning?

Yes. Daoirse can mean slavery or oppression, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does daoirse change to dhaoirse or ndaoirse?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) daoirse becomes mo dhaoirse (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndaoirse (eclipsis).

How is daoirse different from saoirse?

They are opposites: saoirse means freedom, while daoirse means slavery or bondage.

Does daoirse also mean dearness?

It is sometimes used as a variant of daoire, 'dearness, costliness', but the usual word for high prices is daoire.

Slavery in Irish (Daoirse): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage