HeyRuaHow to say “hard times” in Irish
- Irish:
- drochshaol
- English:
- hard times, the great famine
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DRUKH-heel” /ˈd̪ˠɾˠɔxˌhiːlˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- drochshaoil, an drochshaoil (e.g. blianta an drochshaoil, the years of hardship)
What does “drochshaol” mean?
“Drochshaol” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hard times
- A period of hardship, poverty or misfortune in life.Also: hardship, bad times, misery.
1 other meaning: the great famine
- 2the great famine
- An Drochshaol, with the article and a capital letter, is the usual Irish name for the Great Famine of the 1840s.Also: great famine, famine, Irish famine, the hunger.
Other Irish words for hard times: crua-aimsir (hard times)
“Drochshaol” with the article
Here is drochshaol after the article (an t-alt).
“Drochshaol” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using drochshaol, the Irish word for hard times.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hard times in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hard times?
The Irish for hard times is drochshaol (pronounced “DRUKH-heel”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean the great famine.
How do you pronounce drochshaol in Irish?
Drochshaol is said like “DRUKH-heel” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠɾˠɔxˌhiːlˠ/).
Does drochshaol have a plural?
No plural form is given for drochshaol in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does drochshaol have more than one meaning?
Yes. Drochshaol can mean hard times or the great famine, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does drochshaol change to dhrochshaol or ndrochshaol?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) drochshaol becomes mo dhrochshaol (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndrochshaol (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'an Drochshaol' and 'an Gorta Mór'?
Both refer to the Great Famine; 'an Drochshaol' is the traditional term used by native speakers, while 'an Gorta Mór' is more common in formal and historical writing.
