Will in Irish (Deoin): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for will?

The Irish for will is deoin (pronounced “dyohn”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is deonta. Depending on context it can also mean consent.

Q: What is the plural of will in Irish?

The plural of deoin is deonta; with the article, na deonta means “the wills”. The genitive plural is deonta, as in in éadan a ndeonta (against their wills).

Q: Does deoin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deoin can mean will or consent, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “will” in Irish

Irish:: deoin
English:: will, consent
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “dyohn” /dʲoːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: deonta (wills)
Genitive singular:: deona, na deona (e.g. ag lorg deona, seeking consent)
Genitive plural:: deonta, na ndeonta (e.g. in éadan a ndeonta, against their wills)

What does “deoin” mean?

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

will: Willingness or free choice to do something, as in doing it of your own accord.Also: consent, willingness, accord, free will.

1 other meaning: consent

2consent: Agreement or permission given by someone.Also: permission, assent.

Other Irish words for will: réir (will), toil (will), uacht (will)

“Deoin” with the article

The plural of will in Irish is deonta. Here is deoin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an deoin

the will

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na deonta

the wills

Plural: no change after na

“Deoin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using deoin, the Irish word for will.

Rinne sé é dá dheoin féin.

He did it of his own accord.

Tháinig sí isteach dá deoin féin.

She came in of her own free will.

Ní raibh sé ann dá dheoin.

He wasn't there willingly.

Tugadh ann é in aghaidh a dheona.

He was brought there against his will.

Ní dhéanfainn é de mo dheoin féin.

I wouldn't do it of my own choice.

D'imigh siad dá ndeoin féin.

They left of their own accord.

Is gá deoin an dá thaobh.

The consent of both sides is needed.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Will in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for will?

The Irish for will is deoin (pronounced “dyohn”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is deonta. Depending on context it can also mean consent.

How do you pronounce deoin in Irish?

Deoin is said like “dyohn” (IPA /dʲoːnʲ/).

What is the plural of will in Irish?

The plural of deoin is deonta; with the article, na deonta means “the wills”. The genitive plural is deonta, as in in éadan a ndeonta (against their wills).

Does deoin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deoin can mean will or consent, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does deoin change to dheoin or ndeoin?

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

How is 'deoin' related to 'ainneoin'?

'Ainneoin' is the negative of 'deoin' and means 'unwillingness'; it is common in 'in ainneoin' (despite). The pair appears in 'de dheoin nó d'ainneoin' (willy-nilly).

Is 'deoin' used on its own in everyday speech?

Mostly it appears in fixed phrases like 'dá dheoin féin' (of his own accord); for 'will' in general 'toil' is more usual.

Will in Irish (Deoin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage