HeyRuaHow to say “magic” in Irish
- Irish:
- draíocht
- English:
- magic, druidism, charm
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DREE-ukht” /ˈdˠɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- draíochta (magics)
- Genitive singular:
- draíochta, na draíochta (e.g. cumhacht na draíochta, the power of magic)
- Genitive plural:
- draíochta, na ndraíochta (e.g. leabhar na ndraíochta, the book of spells)
What does “draíocht” mean?
“Draíocht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- magic
- Supernatural power or the use of spells and charms to make strange things happen.Also: witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment, spell.
2 other meanings: druidism or charm
- 2druidism
- The art, learning or magic practised by the druids of old.Also: druidic art, druidry.
- 3charm
- A delightful, enchanting quality that attracts people.Also: enchantment, fascination, allure.
Other Irish words for magic: draíochtach (magical)
“Draíocht” with the article
The plural of magic in Irish is draíochta. Here is draíocht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Draíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using draíocht, the Irish word for magic.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Magic in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for magic?
The Irish for magic is draíocht (pronounced “DREE-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is draíochta. Depending on context it can also mean druidism or charm.
How do you pronounce draíocht in Irish?
Draíocht is said like “DREE-ukht” (IPA /ˈdˠɾˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of magic in Irish?
The plural of draíocht is draíochta; with the article, na draíochta means “the magics”. The genitive plural is draíochta, as in leabhar na ndraíochta (the book of spells).
Does draíocht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Draíocht can mean magic, druidism or charm, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does draíocht change to dhraíocht or ndraíocht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) draíocht becomes mo dhraíocht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndraíocht (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'draíocht' and 'draoi'?
'Draíocht' is magic itself, while 'draoi' is the person who practises it, a druid or wizard.
How do I say something is magical?
Use the genitive as an adjective, as in 'scéal draíochta' (a magical tale), or say 'tá draíocht ag baint leis'.
