HeyRuaHow to say “badness” in Irish
- Irish:
- olcas
- English:
- badness, evil, anger
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UL-kus” /ˈɔlˠkəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- olcais, an olcais (e.g. méid an olcais, the extent of the evil)
What does “olcas” mean?
“Olcas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- badness
- The quality of being bad or poor in condition; used especially in phrases like 'ag dul in olcas', getting worse.Also: worsening, deterioration, worse.
2 other meanings: evil or anger
- 2evil
- Wickedness or malice in a person or deed.Also: wickedness, malice, spite.
- 3anger
- Bad temper or annoyance, as in 'olcas a chur ar dhuine', to make someone angry.Also: bad temper, annoyance.
Other Irish words for badness: donacht (badness)
“Olcas” with the article
Here is olcas after the article (an t-alt).
“Olcas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using olcas, 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 olcas (pronounced “UL-kus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean evil or anger.
How do you pronounce olcas in Irish?
Olcas is said like “UL-kus” (IPA /ˈɔlˠkəsˠ/).
Does olcas have a plural?
No plural form is given for olcas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does olcas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Olcas can mean badness, evil or anger, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does olcas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-olcas (the badness), a holcas (her badness), a n-olcas (their badness).
How do I say something is getting worse or better?
Use 'ag dul in olcas' for getting worse and its opposite 'ag dul i bhfeabhas' for getting better.
What is the difference between 'olc' and 'olcas'?
'Olc' is the adjective 'bad' and also a noun meaning 'evil'; 'olcas' is the abstract noun 'badness', used in phrases like 'dá olcas é', however bad it is.
