dún an doras
/d̪ˠuːnˠ ənˠ ˈd̪ˠoɾˠəsˠ/word by word
In Irish, "close the door" is said as dún an doras.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to move a door into a shut position.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dún an doras is composed of the imperative verb dún (close), the definite article an (the) and the noun doras (door).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dún an doras uses the singular imperative, which is used when addressing one person. You can add arís to the end of the phrase to express the command to close the door again, resulting in dún an doras arís. To turn the command into a polite request, add le do thoil to the end, forming dún an doras le do thoil.
How do you pronounce it?
/d̪ˠuːnˠ ənˠ ˈd̪ˠoɾˠəsˠ/
Did you know?
- The word dún originally referred to a 'stronghold' or a 'fortress' in Old Irish, rather than the simple action of closing.
- While dún an doras is a direct command, you can soften the blow of an order by adding le do thoil, which translates literally to 'with your will'.
Examples in context
- Dún an doras, le do thoil.Close the door, please.
- An féidir leat an doras a dhúnadh? Dún an doras.Can you close the door? Close the door.
- Tá sé fuar ansin, mar sin dún an doras.It is cold in there, so close the door.
Example conversation
Cathal and Niamh are in a chilly living room.
- CathalTá sé fuar anseo. Dún an doras, Niamh.It is cold in here. Close the door, Niamh.
- NiamhTá sé dúnta cheers.It is closed.
- CathalNíl sé dúnta. Dún an doras go tighter.It isn't closed. Close the door tighter.
- NiamhTá sé dúnta anois.It is closed now.
