Charm in Irish (Ortha): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for charm?

The Irish for charm is ortha (pronounced “OR-huh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is orthaí. Depending on context it can also mean prayer or talisman.

Q: What is the plural of charm in Irish?

The plural of ortha is orthaí; with the article, na horthaí means “the charms”. The genitive plural is orthaí, as in leabhar na n-orthaí (the book of charms).

Q: Does ortha have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ortha can mean charm, prayer or talisman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “charm” in Irish

Irish:: ortha
English:: charm, prayer, talisman
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “OR-huh” /ˈɔɾˠhə/

Various forms

Plural:: orthaí (charms)
Genitive singular:: ortha, na hortha (e.g. focail na hortha, the words of the charm)
Genitive plural:: orthaí, na n-orthaí (e.g. leabhar na n-orthaí, the book of charms)

What does “ortha” mean?

“Ortha” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

charm: A set form of words recited to bring about a magical or healing effect.Also: spell, incantation, enchantment.

2 other meanings: prayer or talisman

2prayer: A prayer or invocation, especially a traditional verse prayer.Also: invocation, orison.
3talisman: An object or verse believed to protect the person who carries it.Also: amulet.

“Ortha” with the article

The plural of charm in Irish is orthaí. Here is ortha after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ortha

the charm

No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

na horthaí

the charms

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Ortha” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ortha, the Irish word for charm.

Chuir an chailleach ortha ar an mbó.

The witch put a spell on the cow.

Bhí ortha aici le haghaidh na déide.

She had a charm for toothache.

Ní raibh éifeacht ar bith leis an ortha.

The charm had no effect at all.

Bhailigh sé orthaí ó sheandaoine na háite.

He collected charms from the old people of the area.

Dúirt mo sheanmháthair ortha os cionn an linbh.

My grandmother said a charm over the child.

Tá cumhacht na hortha briste anois.

The power of the spell is broken now.

Tá go leor orthaí sa chnuasach sin.

There are lots of charms in that collection.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Charm in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for charm?

The Irish for charm is ortha (pronounced “OR-huh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is orthaí. Depending on context it can also mean prayer or talisman.

How do you pronounce ortha in Irish?

Ortha is said like “OR-huh” (IPA /ˈɔɾˠhə/).

What is the plural of charm in Irish?

The plural of ortha is orthaí; with the article, na horthaí means “the charms”. The genitive plural is orthaí, as in leabhar na n-orthaí (the book of charms).

Does ortha have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ortha can mean charm, prayer or talisman, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ortha sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ortha (the charm), a hortha (her charm), a n-ortha (their charm), na horthaí (the charms).

How do you say 'put a spell on someone'?

Say 'ortha a chur ar dhuine'. 'Briocht' is a similar word for a magic spell.

Is 'ortha' the same as 'paidir'?

'Paidir' is the ordinary word for a prayer; 'ortha' usually means a charm or folk incantation, though it can mean a verse prayer.

Charm in Irish (Ortha): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage