HeyRuaHow to say “itch” in Irish
- Irish:
- tochas
- English:
- itch, scratching, scabies
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- tochais, to scratch (ag tochas, scratching)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TUKH-us” /ˈt̪ˠɔxəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- tochais, an tochais (e.g. leigheas an tochais, the cure for the itch)
What does “tochas” mean?
“Tochas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- itch
- An irritating feeling on the skin that makes you want to scratch.Also: itchiness, itching, pruritus.
2 other meanings: scratching or scabies
- 2scratching
- The act of scratching; verbal noun of the verb tochais (scratch).Also: scratch, rubbing.
- 3scabies
- A skin disease that causes intense itching.Also: the itch, mange.
“Tochas” as a verbal noun
After ag, tochas means scratching: it is the verbal noun of the verb tochais (to scratch). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Tochas” with the article
Here is tochas after the article (an t-alt).
“Tochas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tochas, the Irish word for itch.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Itch in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for itch?
The Irish for itch is tochas (pronounced “TUKH-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean scratching or scabies.
How do you pronounce tochas in Irish?
Tochas is said like “TUKH-us” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔxəsˠ/).
Does tochas have a plural?
No plural form is given for tochas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does tochas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tochas can mean itch, scratching or scabies, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tochas change to thochas or dtochas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tochas becomes mo thochas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtochas (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I have an itch' in Irish?
Use tochas with ar or a body part: 'Tá tochas orm' (I am itchy) or 'Tá tochas i mo lámh' (my hand is itchy).
What does 'tochas i do bhosa' mean?
An itchy palm, traditionally a sign that money is coming: 'Tá tochas i mo bhosa'.
