HeyRuaHow to say “difficulty” in Irish
- Irish:
- deacracht
- English:
- difficulty, distress
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DYAK-ruckt” /ˈdʲakɾəxt̪/
- Plural:
- deacrachtaí (difficulties)
- Genitive singular:
- deacrachta, na deacrachta (e.g. méid na deacrachta, the extent of the difficulty)
- Genitive plural:
- deacrachtaí, na ndeacrachtaí (e.g. réiteach na ndeacrachtaí, the solving of the difficulties)
What does “deacracht” mean?
“Deacracht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- difficulty
- Something that is hard to do, deal with or understand; a problem or obstacle.Also: problem, trouble, hardship, obstacle.
1 other meaning: distress
- 2distress
- A state of discomfort, hardship or trouble that someone is in.Also: discomfort, hardship, trouble.
Other Irish words for difficulty: fadhb (problem)
“Deacracht” with the article
The plural of difficulty in Irish is deacrachtaí. Here is deacracht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deacracht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deacracht, the Irish word for difficulty.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Difficulty in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for difficulty?
The Irish for difficulty is deacracht (pronounced “DYAK-ruckt”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is deacrachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean distress.
How do you pronounce deacracht in Irish?
Deacracht is said like “DYAK-ruckt” (IPA /ˈdʲakɾəxt̪/).
What is the plural of difficulty in Irish?
The plural of deacracht is deacrachtaí; with the article, na deacrachtaí means “the difficulties”. The genitive plural is deacrachtaí, as in réiteach na ndeacrachtaí (the solving of the difficulties).
Does deacracht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deacracht can mean difficulty or distress, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deacracht change to dheacracht or ndeacracht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deacracht becomes mo dheacracht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeacracht (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'deacracht' and 'fadhb'?
'Fadhb' is the everyday word for a problem to be solved, while 'deacracht' stresses that something is hard or troublesome. Often either works: 'Tá fadhb agam' or 'Tá deacracht agam'.
How do I say something is difficult using this word?
Use 'deacair' for the adjective, as in 'Tá sé deacair', and 'deacracht' for the noun, as in 'Bhí deacracht agam é a dhéanamh' (I had difficulty doing it).
