HeyRuaHow to say “bad luck” in Irish
- Irish:
- drochrath
- English:
- bad luck
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DROKH-rah” /ˈd̪ˠɾˠɔxˌɾˠah/
- Genitive singular:
- drochratha, an drochratha (e.g. comhartha drochratha, a sign of bad luck)
What does “drochrath” mean?
- bad luck
- Misfortune or ill luck; things going badly for someone.Also: misfortune, ill luck, ill fortune.
Other Irish words for bad luck: mí-ádh (bad luck), donas (bad luck), drochsheans (bad luck)
“Drochrath” with the article
Here is drochrath after the article (an t-alt).
“Drochrath” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using drochrath, 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 drochrath (pronounced “DROKH-rah”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce drochrath in Irish?
Drochrath is said like “DROKH-rah” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠɾˠɔxˌɾˠah/).
Does drochrath have a plural?
No plural form is given for drochrath in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does drochrath change to dhrochrath or ndrochrath?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) drochrath becomes mo dhrochrath (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndrochrath (eclipsis).
How is 'drochrath' different from 'mí-ádh'?
Both mean bad luck. 'Mí-ádh' is the more common everyday word, while 'drochrath' (from 'droch' + 'rath', prosperity) is often used in curses such as 'drochrath ort'.
