HeyRuaHow to say “blight” in Irish
- Irish:
- dúchan
- English:
- blight, darkening
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- dubhaigh, to blacken (ag dúchan, blackening)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DOO-khun” /ˈd̪ˠuːxən̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- dúchana, na dúchana (e.g. bliain na dúchana, the year of the blight)
What does “dúchan” mean?
“Dúchan” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- blight
- A plant disease, especially potato blight, that blackens and rots the leaves and tubers.Also: potato blight, smut, black rust.
1 other meaning: darkening
- 2darkening
- The act of making or becoming dark or black; the verbal noun of the verb dúch.Also: blackening.
“Dúchan” as a verbal noun
After ag, dúchan means blackening: it is the verbal noun of the verb dubhaigh (to blacken). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Dúchan” with the article
Here is dúchan after the article (an t-alt).
“Dúchan” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dúchan, the Irish word for blight.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Blight in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for blight?
The Irish for blight is dúchan (pronounced “DOO-khun”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean darkening.
How do you pronounce dúchan in Irish?
Dúchan is said like “DOO-khun” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːxən̪ˠ/).
Does dúchan have a plural?
No plural form is given for dúchan in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dúchan have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dúchan can mean blight or darkening, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dúchan change to dhúchan or ndúchan?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dúchan becomes mo dhúchan (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndúchan (eclipsis).
Is dúchan the same as gorta?
No. Dúchan is the blight that destroys the crop, while gorta is the famine that can follow it, as in the 1840s.
