HeyRuaHow to say “waste” in Irish
- Irish:
- diomailt
- English:
- waste, wasteful act
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- diomail, to waste (ag diomailt, wasting)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “JUM-al-tch” /ˈdʲʊmˠəlʲtʲ/
- Plural:
- diomailtí (wastes)
- Genitive singular:
- diomailte, na diomailte (e.g. cosc na diomailte, the prevention of waste)
- Genitive plural:
- diomailtí, na ndiomailtí (e.g. cosc na ndiomailtí, the prevention of wasteful practices)
What does “diomailt” mean?
“Diomailt” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- waste
- The act of wasting or squandering something such as money, time or food; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'diomail'.Also: wasting, squandering, wastefulness, extravagance.
“Diomailt” as a verbal noun
After ag, diomailt means wasting: it is the verbal noun of the verb diomail (to waste). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Diomailt” with the article
The plural of waste in Irish is diomailtí. Here is diomailt after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Diomailt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using diomailt, the Irish word for waste.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Waste in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for waste?
The Irish for waste is diomailt (pronounced “JUM-al-tch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is diomailtí. Depending on context it can also mean wasteful act.
How do you pronounce diomailt in Irish?
Diomailt is said like “JUM-al-tch” (IPA /ˈdʲʊmˠəlʲtʲ/).
What is the plural of waste in Irish?
The plural of diomailt is diomailtí; with the article, na diomailtí means “the wastes”. The genitive plural is diomailtí, as in cosc na ndiomailtí (the prevention of wasteful practices).
Does diomailt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Diomailt can mean waste or wasteful act, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does diomailt change to dhiomailt or ndiomailt?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) diomailt becomes mo dhiomailt (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndiomailt (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'diomailt' and 'dramhaíl'?
'Diomailt' is the act of wasting something, as in 'diomailt ama' (a waste of time), while 'dramhaíl' means waste material or rubbish.
Is there a common alternative to 'diomailt'?
Yes, 'cur amú' is very common in speech, as in 'cur amú ama' (a waste of time).
