Deirtar

Deirtar is a term from the Irish language (Gaeilge) that refers to a specific verb form used to express the passive voice or impersonal reporting of speech. It is derived from the verb deir, meaning “to say,” and is used to convey that something is said or reported by people in general, rather than by a specific subject. In English, deirtar is commonly rendered as “it is said” or “they say,” depending on context.

In Irish grammar, deirtar is part of the family of passive constructions built from a base form of the verb with suffixes that indicate third-person narration. The exact form and usage can vary with dialect and register, and it often coexists with other passive or periphrastic structures such as deirtear in modern standard Irish. The choice between forms can reflect stylistic preferences or historical development within a text.

Usage and register: deirtar tends to appear more in formal writing, literary texts, journalism, and legal or official language. It is less common in casual, everyday speech, where speakers may opt for direct statements or alternatives that convey reported content without using the passive form. When translating, the sense of reported speech or general assertion is preserved, though the exact nuance may shift with context and tone.

See also: Irish language, Deir, Passive voice in Irish, Gaelic grammar.

Note: As with many Celtic-derived forms, regional variation exists, and consulting a grammar or dictionary for a specific dialect is recommended for precise usage.