Curse in Irish (Mallacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for curse?

The Irish for curse is mallacht (pronounced “MAL-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is mallachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean bane.

Q: What is the plural of curse in Irish?

The plural of mallacht is mallachtaí; with the article, na mallachtaí means “the curses”. The genitive plural is mallachtaí, as in leabhar na mallachtaí (the book of curses).

Q: Does mallacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mallacht can mean curse or bane, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “curse” in Irish

Irish:: mallacht
English:: curse, bane
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “MAL-ukht” /ˈmˠal̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: mallachtaí (curses)
Genitive singular:: mallachta, na mallachta (e.g. focail na mallachta, the words of the curse)
Genitive plural:: mallachtaí, na mallachtaí (e.g. leabhar na mallachtaí, the book of curses)

What does “mallacht” mean?

“Mallacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

curse: A wish or spell calling for harm or misfortune to fall on someone.Also: malediction, imprecation, hex.

1 other meaning: bane

2bane: Something that causes constant trouble or misfortune, a scourge or affliction.Also: scourge, affliction, plague.

Other Irish words for curse: mallaigh (curse), eascaine (curse), eascainigh (curse)

“Mallacht” with the article

The plural of curse in Irish is mallachtaí. Here is mallacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mhallacht

the curse

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

na mallachtaí

the curses

Plural: no change after na

“Mallacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mallacht, the Irish word for curse.

Chuir an tseanbhean mallacht air.

The old woman put a curse on him.

Bhí an mhallacht ar an teaghlach le fada.

The curse had been on the family for a long time.

Níor éirigh leo an mhallacht a bhriseadh.

They didn't manage to break the curse.

Bhí sé ag caitheamh mallachtaí leis an gcapall.

He was hurling curses at the horse.

Mo mhallacht ort as sin a dhéanamh!

Curse you for doing that!

Creideann siad go bhfuil an teach faoi mhallacht.

They believe the house is under a curse.

Is mallacht ar an tír an bhochtaineacht.

Poverty is a curse on the country.

Other nouns in Irish

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Curse in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for curse?

The Irish for curse is mallacht (pronounced “MAL-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is mallachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean bane.

How do you pronounce mallacht in Irish?

Mallacht is said like “MAL-ukht” (IPA /ˈmˠal̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of curse in Irish?

The plural of mallacht is mallachtaí; with the article, na mallachtaí means “the curses”. The genitive plural is mallachtaí, as in leabhar na mallachtaí (the book of curses).

Does mallacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mallacht can mean curse or bane, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mallacht change to mhallacht?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhallacht. After ár (our) it stays ár mallacht, because m does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between mallacht and eascaine?

Mallacht is a curse wished on someone, the opposite of beannacht (blessing), while eascaine usually means a swear word or oath. Both can be used for cursing, but mallacht is the usual word for a spell or malediction.

How do I say 'curse you' in Irish?

You can say 'Mo mhallacht ort!' or 'Mallacht ort!', literally 'my curse on you'.

Curse in Irish (Mallacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage