HeyRuaHow to say “suckling” in Irish
- Irish:
- diúl
- English:
- suckling, sucking
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- diúl, to suck (ag diúl, sucking)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “jool” /dʲuːlˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- diúil, an diúil (e.g. am an diúil, feeding time (for a suckling baby))
What does “diúl” mean?
“Diúl” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- suckling
- The act of sucking milk from the breast or udder; it is the verbal noun of the verb diúl (suck).Also: sucking, nursing, breastfeeding.
1 other meaning: sucking
- 2sucking
- The act of sucking or drawing something in with the mouth, such as a drink through a straw.Also: suction, drawing.
“Diúl” as a verbal noun
After ag, diúl means sucking: it is the verbal noun of the verb diúl (to suck). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Diúl” with the article
Here is diúl after the article (an t-alt).
“Diúl” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using diúl, the Irish word for suckling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Suckling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for suckling?
The Irish for suckling is diúl (pronounced “jool”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sucking.
How do you pronounce diúl in Irish?
Diúl is said like “jool” (IPA /dʲuːlˠ/).
Does diúl have a plural?
No plural form is given for diúl in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does diúl have more than one meaning?
Yes. Diúl can mean suckling or sucking, depending on context; the first is the most common. Diúl also has its own entry as a verb meaning to suck.
Why does diúl change to dhiúl or ndiúl?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) diúl becomes mo dhiúl (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndiúl (eclipsis).
How do I say a baby is breastfeeding?
Use the verbal noun: Tá an leanbh ag diúl, literally 'the baby is sucking'.
What is 'fiacail diúil'?
Fiacail diúil means a milk tooth, a baby tooth that later falls out.
