HeyRuaHow to say “black colour” in Irish
- Irish:
- dubh
- English:
- black colour, darkness, black person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “duv” /d̪ˠuvˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- duibh, an duibh (e.g. dath an duibh, the colour of the black)
What does “dubh” mean?
“Dubh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- black colour
- The colour black considered as a thing, or black dye, ink or polish.Also: blackness, black dye, black ink.
2 other meanings: darkness or black person
- 2darkness
- The dark of night or a dark state, as in the darkest part of something.Also: dark of night, blackness.
- 3black person
- A dark-haired or black-skinned person, referred to with the article.Also: dark-haired person.
“Dubh” with the article
Here is dubh after the article (an t-alt).
“Dubh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dubh, the Irish word for black colour.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Black colour in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for black colour?
The Irish for black colour is dubh (pronounced “duv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean darkness or black person.
How do you pronounce dubh in Irish?
Dubh is said like “duv” (IPA /d̪ˠuvˠ/).
Does dubh have a plural?
No plural form is given for dubh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dubh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dubh can mean black colour, darkness or black person, depending on context; the first is the most common. Dubh also has its own entry as an adjective meaning black.
Why does dubh change to dhubh or ndubh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dubh becomes mo dhubh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndubh (eclipsis).
What does 'dubh na hoíche' mean?
'I ndubh na hoíche' means in the dead of night, the darkest part of the night.
