Monster in Irish (Arracht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for monster?

The Irish for monster is arracht (pronounced “AR-ukht”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is arrachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean spectre or giant.

Q: What is the plural of monster in Irish?

The plural of arracht is arrachtaí; with the article, na harrachtaí means “the monsters”. The genitive plural is arrachtaí, as in scéalta na n-arrachtaí (the monster stories).

Q: Does arracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Arracht can mean monster, spectre or giant, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “monster” in Irish

Irish:: arracht
English:: monster, spectre, giant
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “AR-ukht” /ˈaɾˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: arrachtaí (monsters)
Genitive singular:: arrachta, an arrachta (e.g. scéal an arrachta, the story of the monster)
Genitive plural:: arrachtaí, na n-arrachtaí (e.g. scéalta na n-arrachtaí, the monster stories)

What does “arracht” mean?

“Arracht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

monster: A frightening, often huge or ugly creature, real or imaginary.Also: beast, creature, ogre.

2 other meanings: spectre or giant

2spectre: A ghostly apparition or frightening phantom.Also: specter, apparition, phantom.
3giant: A huge, powerful person or thing; a big strapping fellow.Also: hulk, huge person.

Other Irish words for monster: ollphéist (monster), béist (beast)

“Arracht” with the article

The plural of monster in Irish is arrachtaí. Here is arracht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-arracht

the monster

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na harrachtaí

the monsters

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Arracht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using arracht, the Irish word for monster.

Chonaic an páiste arracht ina bhrionglóid.

The child saw a monster in his dream.

Bhí an t-arracht ina chónaí sa loch.

The monster lived in the lake.

Bhí eagla ar gach duine roimh an arracht.

Everyone was afraid of the monster.

Chualamar béic an arrachta sa dorchadas.

We heard the monster's roar in the dark.

Is breá le mo mhac scannáin faoi arrachtaí.

My son loves films about monsters.

Níl a leithéid d'arracht ann i ndáiríre.

There's no such monster really.

Is arracht d'fhear é, chomh láidir le capall.

He's a giant of a man, as strong as a horse.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Monster in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for monster?

The Irish for monster is arracht (pronounced “AR-ukht”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is arrachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean spectre or giant.

How do you pronounce arracht in Irish?

Arracht is said like “AR-ukht” (IPA /ˈaɾˠəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of monster in Irish?

The plural of arracht is arrachtaí; with the article, na harrachtaí means “the monsters”. The genitive plural is arrachtaí, as in scéalta na n-arrachtaí (the monster stories).

Does arracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Arracht can mean monster, spectre or giant, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does arracht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-arracht (the monster), a harracht (her monster), a n-arracht (their monster), na harrachtaí (the monsters).

What is the difference between 'arracht' and 'ollphéist'?

'Arracht' is a general word for a monster or frightening creature, while 'ollphéist' is specifically a huge serpent-like monster, such as a lake or sea monster in folklore.

Can 'arracht' describe a person?

Yes, 'arracht d'fhear' means a huge, powerful man, and the adjective 'arrachtach' means monstrous or huge.

Monster in Irish (Arracht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage