HeyRuaHow to say “monster” in Irish
- Irish:
- ollphéist
- English:
- monster, huge worm
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UL-fayshch” /ˈol̪ˠˌfʲeːʃtʲ/
- Plural:
- ollphéisteanna (monsters)
- Genitive singular:
- ollphéiste, na hollphéiste (e.g. scéal na hollphéiste, the story of the monster)
- Genitive plural:
- ollphéisteanna, na n-ollphéisteanna (e.g. scéalta na n-ollphéisteanna, the stories of the monsters)
What does “ollphéist” mean?
“Ollphéist” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- monster
- A huge, frightening creature, especially a serpent-like monster of Irish folklore living in a lake or the sea.Also: sea monster, serpent, dragon, lake monster.
“Ollphéist” with the article
The plural of monster in Irish is ollphéisteanna. Here is ollphéist after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ollphéist” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ollphéist, the Irish word for monster.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Monster in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for monster?
The Irish for monster is ollphéist (pronounced “UL-fayshch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ollphéisteanna. Depending on context it can also mean huge worm.
How do you pronounce ollphéist in Irish?
Ollphéist is said like “UL-fayshch” (IPA /ˈol̪ˠˌfʲeːʃtʲ/).
What is the plural of monster in Irish?
The plural of ollphéist is ollphéisteanna; with the article, na hollphéisteanna means “the monsters”. The genitive plural is ollphéisteanna, as in scéalta na n-ollphéisteanna (the stories of the monsters).
Does ollphéist have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ollphéist can mean monster or huge worm, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ollphéist sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ollphéist (the monster), a hollphéist (her monster), a n-ollphéist (their monster), na hollphéisteanna (the monsters).
What is the difference between ollphéist and arracht?
Ollphéist is specifically a huge serpent-like monster, typical of Irish folklore, while arracht is a more general word for a monster or hideous creature.
Is oilliphéist the same word?
Yes, oilliphéist is an older or dialect spelling; the standard form is ollphéist, from oll 'great' and péist 'worm, beast'.
