HeyRuaHow to say “wren” in Irish
- Irish:
- dreolán
- English:
- wren, silly person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “DRYOH-lawn” /ˈdʲɾʲoːl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- dreoláin (wrens)
- Genitive singular:
- dreoláin, an dreoláin (e.g. Lá an Dreoláin, St Stephen's Day (Wren Day))
- Genitive plural:
- dreolán, na ndreolán (e.g. neadacha na ndreolán, the wrens' nests)
What does “dreolán” mean?
“Dreolán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wren
- A very small brown songbird with a short upright tail, common in Ireland.Also: jenny wren, troglodytes troglodytes, small bird.
1 other meaning: silly person
- 2silly person
- A foolish or silly person, used figuratively.Also: fool, simpleton.
Other Irish words for wren: dreoilín (wren)
“Dreolán” with the article
The plural of wren in Irish is dreoláin. Here is dreolán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dreolán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dreolán, the Irish word for wren.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wren in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wren?
The Irish for wren is dreolán (pronounced “DRYOH-lawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dreoláin. Depending on context it can also mean silly person.
How do you pronounce dreolán in Irish?
Dreolán is said like “DRYOH-lawn” (IPA /ˈdʲɾʲoːl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of wren in Irish?
The plural of dreolán is dreoláin; with the article, na dreoláin means “the wrens”. The genitive plural is dreolán, as in neadacha na ndreolán (the wrens' nests).
Does dreolán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dreolán can mean wren or silly person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dreolán change to dhreolán or ndreolán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dreolán becomes mo dhreolán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndreolán (eclipsis).
What is Lá an Dreoláin?
Lá an Dreoláin is St Stephen's Day, 26 December, when the wren boys (buachaillí an dreoláin) traditionally go from house to house.
Can dreolán describe a person?
Yes, figuratively dreolán can mean a silly or foolish person, as in 'Ná bí i do dhreolán'.
