dearg
/ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ/
The English word red is translated into Irish as dearg or rua.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dearg | /ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ/ /ˈdʲaɾˠək/ (Aran) |
| rua | /ɾˠuə/ |
Which one should you use?
Use dearg when referring to the primary color red or for objects that are red in color. Use rua specifically to describe reddish-brown colors or when describing hair color, such as ginger or red hair.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related adjective deargach is used to describe someone or something that is left-wing, socialist or communist.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ/
Did you know?
- The word dearg shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'dark', as both stem from a root meaning 'to dim' or 'to darken'.
- While dearg describes the color, the verb dergaid describes the act of making something red.
Examples in context
- Sleamhnaigh mé agus thit mé ar an trasrian, díreach nuair a chas an solas chuig dearg.I slipped and fell on the crosswalk, just when the light turned red.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a light turning dearg.Tatoeba #4062767 by tinybat, translation #4062490 by Lepotdeterre
- Tá gach úill dearg.All apples are red.This sentence shows how to use dearg when describing the color of apples.Tatoeba #5167969 by kemushi69, translation #1123550 by shekitten
- Tá an t-iasc dearg ag snámh san aigéan.The red fish is swimming in the ocean.This sentence demonstrates using dearg to describe a fish.Tatoeba #3945051 by turklehceleri, translation #3945049 by turklehceleri
- Tá an culaith dearg.The suit is red.
- Rinne mé pictiúr den éan dearg.I drew a picture of a red bird.
- An bhfuil an leabhar dearg?Is the book red?
- Bhí an madra rua ag suí ag an doras.The red dog was sitting at the door.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cathal are talking about a new car.
- NiamhAn bhfuil an carr nua dearg?Is the new car red?
- CathalNí hea, tá sé gorm.No, it is blue.
- NiamhBa mhaith liom carr dearg.I would like a red car.
- CathalIs é sin dath go hálainn.That is a beautiful colour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red” translations and entries dearg, rua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dearg, rua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
