HeyRuaHow to say “bad luck” in Irish
- Irish:
- donas
- English:
- bad luck, misery, deuce
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DUN-us” /ˈd̪ˠʊnˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- donais, an donais (e.g. ainm an donais, the name of the devil)
What does “donas” mean?
“Donas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bad luck
- Misfortune or ill luck that happens to someone.Also: misfortune, ill luck, mishap.
2 other meanings: misery or deuce
- 2misery
- A wretched or miserable state, affliction or poor condition.Also: affliction, wretchedness, distress.
- 3deuce
- Used in exclamations and curses, like 'the devil' or 'the deuce' in English.Also: devil, mischief.
Other Irish words for bad luck: mí-ádh (bad luck), drochsheans (bad luck), drochrath (bad luck)
“Donas” with the article
Here is donas after the article (an t-alt).
“Donas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using donas, the Irish word for bad luck.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bad luck in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bad luck?
The Irish for bad luck is donas (pronounced “DUN-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean misery or deuce.
How do you pronounce donas in Irish?
Donas is said like “DUN-us” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠʊnˠəsˠ/).
Does donas have a plural?
No plural form is given for donas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does donas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Donas can mean bad luck, misery or deuce, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does donas change to dhonas or ndonas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) donas becomes mo dhonas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndonas (eclipsis).
What does 'dul chun donais' mean?
'Dul chun donais' means to get worse or deteriorate, as in 'Tá an tsláinte ag dul chun donais' (his health is getting worse). Its opposite is 'dul chun feabhais'.
How is 'donas' related to 'dona'?
'Donas' is the noun from the adjective 'dona' (bad, unlucky), much as 'sonas' (happiness) comes from 'sona' (happy).
