Statue in Irish (Dealbh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for statue?

The Irish for statue is dealbh (pronounced “DYAL-uv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dealbha. Depending on context it can also mean form.

Q: What is the plural of statue in Irish?

The plural of dealbh is dealbha; with the article, na dealbha means “the statues”. The genitive plural is dealbh, as in páirc na ndealbh (the park of the statues).

Q: Does dealbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dealbh can mean statue or form, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “statue” in Irish

Irish:: dealbh
English:: statue, form
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “DYAL-uv” /dʲal̪ˠəvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: dealbha (statues)
Genitive singular:: deilbhe, na deilbhe (e.g. bun na deilbhe, the base of the statue)
Genitive plural:: dealbh, na ndealbh (e.g. páirc na ndealbh, the park of the statues)

What does “dealbh” mean?

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

statue: A figure of a person or animal carved or cast in stone, metal or wood.Also: sculpture, effigy, figure.

1 other meaning: form

2form: The shape or figure of something, especially a human form; used in literary language.Also: shape, figure.

“Dealbh” with the article

The plural of statue in Irish is dealbha. Here is dealbh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dealbh

the statue

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na dealbha

the statues

Plural: no change after na

“Dealbh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dealbh, the Irish word for statue.

Tá dealbh mhór i lár an bhaile.

There is a big statue in the middle of the town.

Rinne sí dealbh as cré.

She made a statue out of clay.

Bhí na daoine ag féachaint ar an dealbh.

The people were looking at the statue.

Tá ceann na deilbhe briste.

The head of the statue is broken.

Tá go leor dealbha sa mhúsaem.

There are lots of statues in the museum.

Seo í an dealbh is fearr liom.

This is my favourite statue.

Tógadh dealbh den fhile sa chearnóg.

A statue of the poet was erected in the square.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

bainisteoirmanager leababed MuireMary (the Virgin Mary)riachtanasneed labhairtspeaking doiciméaddocument

Statue in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for statue?

The Irish for statue is dealbh (pronounced “DYAL-uv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dealbha. Depending on context it can also mean form.

How do you pronounce dealbh in Irish?

Dealbh is said like “DYAL-uv” (IPA /dʲal̪ˠəvˠ/).

What is the plural of statue in Irish?

The plural of dealbh is dealbha; with the article, na dealbha means “the statues”. The genitive plural is dealbh, as in páirc na ndealbh (the park of the statues).

Does dealbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dealbh can mean statue or form, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dealbh change to dhealbh or ndealbh?

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

Is 'dealbh' the noun related to 'dealbhóir'?

Yes, 'dealbh' is a statue and 'dealbhóir' is a sculptor; the art itself is 'dealbhóireacht'.

Does 'dealbh' meaning statue have anything to do with the adjective 'dealbh'?

They are spelt the same but are separate words: the noun 'dealbh' (feminine) means statue, while the adjective 'dealbh' means poor or bare.

Statue in Irish (Dealbh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage