Watercolour in Irish (Dobharlí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for watercolour?

The Irish for watercolour is dobharlí (pronounced “DOW-ur-lee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dobharlíocha. Depending on context it can also mean watercolour painting.

Q: What is the plural of watercolour in Irish?

The plural of dobharlí is dobharlíocha; with the article, na dobharlíocha means “the watercolours”. The genitive plural is dobharlíocha, as in taispeántas na ndobharlíocha (the exhibition of the watercolours).

Q: Does dobharlí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dobharlí can mean watercolour or watercolour painting, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “watercolour” in Irish

Irish:: dobharlí
English:: watercolour, watercolour painting
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “DOW-ur-lee” /ˈd̪ˠəuɾˠlʲiː/

Various forms

Plural:: dobharlíocha (watercolours)
Genitive singular:: dobharlí, na dobharlí (e.g. péint dobharlí, watercolour paint)
Genitive plural:: dobharlíocha, na ndobharlíocha (e.g. taispeántas na ndobharlíocha, the exhibition of the watercolours)

What does “dobharlí” mean?

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

watercolour: A paint that is mixed with water rather than oil.Also: watercolor, water paint.

1 other meaning: watercolour painting

2watercolour painting: A picture painted with watercolours.Also: watercolour, aquarelle.

“Dobharlí” with the article

The plural of watercolour in Irish is dobharlíocha. Here is dobharlí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dobharlí

the watercolour

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na dobharlíocha

the watercolours

Plural: no change after na

“Dobharlí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dobharlí, the Irish word for watercolour.

Is maith liom a bheith ag péinteáil le dobharlí.

I like painting with watercolour.

Thriomaigh an dobharlí go tapa ar an bpáipéar.

The watercolour dried quickly on the paper.

Cheannaigh sí bosca dobharlí dá mac.

She bought a box of watercolours for her son.

Tá dobharlíocha áille ar crochadh sa ghailearaí.

Beautiful watercolours are hanging in the gallery.

Rinne mé an pictiúr seo i ndobharlí.

I did this picture in watercolour.

Tá mo dhobharlí is fearr ar an mballa.

My best watercolour is on the wall.

Bhí taispeántas dobharlíocha sa leabharlann inné.

There was an exhibition of watercolours in the library yesterday.

Other nouns in Irish

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Watercolour in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for watercolour?

The Irish for watercolour is dobharlí (pronounced “DOW-ur-lee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dobharlíocha. Depending on context it can also mean watercolour painting.

How do you pronounce dobharlí in Irish?

Dobharlí is said like “DOW-ur-lee” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠəuɾˠlʲiː/).

What is the plural of watercolour in Irish?

The plural of dobharlí is dobharlíocha; with the article, na dobharlíocha means “the watercolours”. The genitive plural is dobharlíocha, as in taispeántas na ndobharlíocha (the exhibition of the watercolours).

Does dobharlí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dobharlí can mean watercolour or watercolour painting, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dobharlí change to dhobharlí or ndobharlí?

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

How is 'dobharlí' different from 'péint uisce'?

Both refer to water-based paint, but 'dobharlí' is the established dictionary term and can also mean a finished watercolour picture.

Watercolour in Irish (Dobharlí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage