HeyRuaHow to say “dog” in Irish
- Irish:
- madra
- English:
- dog, cur
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MOD-ruh” /ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə/
- Plural:
- madraí (dogs)
- Genitive singular:
- madra, an mhadra (e.g. eireaball an mhadra, the dog's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- madraí, na madraí (e.g. bia madraí, dog food)
What does “madra” mean?
“Madra” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dog
- A common four-legged domestic animal kept as a pet or for work such as herding or guarding.Also: hound, pet dog, mutt.
1 other meaning: cur
- 2cur
- A contemptible or mean person, used as an insult.Also: scoundrel, dog.
Other Irish words for dog: gadhar (hound)
“Madra” with the article
The plural of dog in Irish is madraí. Here is madra after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Madra” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using madra, the Irish word for dog.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dog in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dog?
The Irish for dog is madra (pronounced “MOD-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is madraí. Depending on context it can also mean cur.
How do you pronounce madra in Irish?
Madra is said like “MOD-ruh” (IPA /ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə/).
What is the plural of dog in Irish?
The plural of madra is madraí; with the article, na madraí means “the dogs”. The genitive plural is madraí, as in bia madraí (dog food).
Does madra have more than one meaning?
Yes. Madra can mean dog or cur, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does madra change to mhadra?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhadra. After ár (our) it stays ár madra, because m does not take eclipsis.
Does 'madra rua' mean a red dog?
No, 'madra rua' is the usual word for a fox, and 'madra uisce' means an otter, not a water dog.
What is the difference between 'madra' and 'gadhar'?
Both mean dog; 'madra' is the standard everyday word, while 'gadhar' is common in Munster and can also mean a hunting dog.
