Sunwise direction in Irish (Deiseal): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for sunwise direction?

The Irish for sunwise direction is deiseal (pronounced “JESH-ul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean right-hand side.

Q: Does deiseal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deiseal can mean sunwise direction or right-hand side, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sunwise direction” in Irish

Irish:: deiseal
English:: sunwise direction, right-hand side
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “JESH-ul” /ˈdʲɛʃəl̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: deisil, an deisil (e.g. casadh an deisil, the sunwise turn)

What does “deiseal” mean?

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

sunwise direction: Movement in the direction of the sun, from left to right or clockwise, traditionally thought lucky.Also: clockwise, sunwise, right-hand direction.

1 other meaning: right-hand side

2right-hand side: The right-hand side or southern side, as one faces the rising sun.Also: right side, south side.

“Deiseal” with the article

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

an deiseal

the sunwise direction

No change after an

“Deiseal” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using deiseal, the Irish word for sunwise direction.

Siúil deiseal timpeall an tobair.

Walk sunwise around the well.

Chuaigh na hoilithrigh deiseal timpeall na cille.

The pilgrims went sunwise around the church.

Bhíodh daoine ag casadh deiseal ar mhaithe leis an ádh.

People used to turn sunwise for luck.

Cas an hanla deiseal le é a dhúnadh.

Turn the handle clockwise to close it.

Ní théann siad tuathal riamh, i gcónaí deiseal.

They never go anticlockwise, always sunwise.

Tá an deiseal ádhúil, dar leis na seandaoine.

Going sunwise is lucky, according to the old people.

Rinne siad an turas deiseal trí huaire.

They made the round sunwise three times.

Other nouns in Irish

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Sunwise direction in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sunwise direction?

The Irish for sunwise direction is deiseal (pronounced “JESH-ul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean right-hand side.

How do you pronounce deiseal in Irish?

Deiseal is said like “JESH-ul” (IPA /ˈdʲɛʃəl̪ˠ/).

Does deiseal have a plural?

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

Does deiseal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deiseal can mean sunwise direction or right-hand side, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does deiseal change to dheiseal or ndeiseal?

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

What is the opposite of deiseal?

The opposite is tuathal, anticlockwise or against the sun, traditionally considered unlucky.

Is deiseal used like an adverb?

Yes, it is mostly used adverbially, as in 'dul deiseal', to go sunwise or clockwise.

Sunwise direction in Irish (Deiseal): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage