HeyRuaHow to say “badness” in Irish
- Irish:
- donacht
- English:
- badness, wretchedness, illness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DUN-ukht” /ˈd̪ˠʊnˠəxt̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- donachta, na donachta (e.g. méid na donachta, the extent of the badness)
What does “donacht” mean?
“Donacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- badness
- The quality of being bad or poor in condition.Also: poorness.
2 other meanings: wretchedness or illness
- 2wretchedness
- A state of misery, misfortune or hardship.Also: misfortune, misery, hardship.
- 3illness
- A state of being unwell or sickly.Also: sickness, ill health.
Other Irish words for badness: olcas (badness)
“Donacht” with the article
Here is donacht after the article (an t-alt).
“Donacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using donacht, the Irish word for badness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Badness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for badness?
The Irish for badness is donacht (pronounced “DUN-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wretchedness or illness.
How do you pronounce donacht in Irish?
Donacht is said like “DUN-ukht” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠʊnˠəxt̪ˠ/).
Does donacht have a plural?
No plural form is given for donacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does donacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Donacht can mean badness, wretchedness or illness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does donacht change to dhonacht or ndonacht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) donacht becomes mo dhonacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndonacht (eclipsis).
How do I say something is getting worse?
Use the phrase 'dul i ndonacht', for example 'tá an aimsir ag dul i ndonacht', the weather is getting worse. The opposite is 'dul i bhfeabhas'.
What does 'dá dhonacht' mean?
'Dá dhonacht' means 'however bad', as in 'dá dhonacht an scéal', however bad the situation.
