HeyRuaHow to say “dragon” in Irish
- Irish:
- dragan
- English:
- dragon, warrior, tarragon
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DRAG-un” /ˈd̪ˠɾˠaɡənˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- dragain, an dragain (e.g. eireaball an dragain, the dragon's tail)
What does “dragan” mean?
“Dragan” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dragon
- A large mythical fire-breathing creature like a winged serpent or lizard.Also: mythical beast, serpent.
2 other meanings: warrior or tarragon
- 2warrior
- A fierce warrior or champion, used figuratively in literature.Also: champion, hero.
- 3tarragon
- An aromatic herb whose leaves are used to flavour food.Also: herb.
Other Irish words for dragon: dragún (dragon)
“Dragan” with the article
Here is dragan after the article (an t-alt).
“Dragan” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dragan, the Irish word for dragon.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dragon in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dragon?
The Irish for dragon is dragan (pronounced “DRAG-un”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean warrior or tarragon.
How do you pronounce dragan in Irish?
Dragan is said like “DRAG-un” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠɾˠaɡənˠ/).
Does dragan have a plural?
No plural form is given for dragan in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does dragan have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dragan can mean dragon, warrior or tarragon, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dragan change to dhragan or ndragan?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dragan becomes mo dhragan (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndragan (eclipsis).
Is 'dragan' the only Irish word for a dragon?
In folklore you will also meet 'ollphéist' or 'péist', a monster or serpent, but 'dragan' is the usual word for a dragon.
