HeyRuaHow to say “striving” in Irish
- Irish:
- dréim
- English:
- striving, aspiration, climbing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- dréim, to strive (ag dréim, striving)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “jraym” /dʲɾʲeːmʲ/
- Plural:
- dréimeanna
- Genitive singular:
- dréime, na dréime (e.g. deireadh na dréime, the end of the striving)
- Genitive plural:
- dréimeanna, na ndréimeanna (e.g. toradh na ndréimeanna, the result of the strivings)
What does “dréim” mean?
“Dréim” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- striving
- The act of striving, contending or aspiring towards something; the verbal noun of the verb dréim.Also: contending, aspiring, struggle.
2 other meanings: aspiration or climbing
- 2aspiration
- An ambition or expectation of reaching or getting something, as in 'ag dréim le' (expecting, aspiring to).Also: expectation, ambition, hope.
- 3climbing
- The act of climbing or clambering up something.Also: clambering, scaling.
“Dréim” as a verbal noun
After ag, dréim means striving: it is the verbal noun of the verb dréim (to strive). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Dréim” with the article
The plural of striving in Irish is dréimeanna. Here is dréim after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dréim” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dréim, the Irish word for striving.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Striving in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for striving?
The Irish for striving is dréim (pronounced “jraym”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dréimeanna. Depending on context it can also mean aspiration or climbing.
How do you pronounce dréim in Irish?
Dréim is said like “jraym” (IPA /dʲɾʲeːmʲ/).
What is the plural of striving in Irish?
The plural of dréim is dréimeanna; with the article, it is na dréimeanna. The genitive plural is dréimeanna, as in toradh na ndréimeanna (the result of the strivings).
Does dréim have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dréim can mean striving, aspiration or climbing, depending on context; the first is the most common. Dréim also has its own entry as a verb meaning to strive.
Why does dréim change to dhréim or ndréim?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dréim becomes mo dhréim (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndréim (eclipsis).
How is 'dréim' most often used?
Mostly in the phrase 'ag dréim le', meaning to expect or aspire to something, e.g. 'Táim ag dréim le scéala uait' (I am looking forward to news from you).
