HeyRuaHow to say “red-haired” in Irish
- Irish:
- rua
- English:
- red-haired, reddish brown, fierce
- Word type:
- adjective
- More red-haired:
- níos rua
- Most red-haired:
- is rua
- Pronunciation:
- “roo-a” /ɾˠuə/
What does “rua” mean?
“Rua” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- red-haired
- Having red or ginger hair.Also: ginger, redheaded, red.
2 other meanings: reddish brown or fierce
- 2reddish brown
- Of a reddish-brown or russet colour, as of an animal's coat or a fox.Also: russet, rust-coloured, copper, ruddy.
- 3fierce
- Wild, fierce or rough, as of weather or temper.Also: wild, rough, strong.
Other Irish adjectives for red-haired: ceannrua (red-haired)
“Rua” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is rua after madra (dog, masculine), after bó (cow, feminine) and after a plural.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, rua.
More red-haired, most red-haired, very red-haired
Tá a cuid gruaige níos rua ná mo chuidse. Her hair is redder than mine.
| more red-haired | níos rua | in the past tense: ní ba rua |
|---|---|---|
| most red-haired | is rua | in the past tense: ba rua |
| as red-haired as | chomh rua le | no change after chomh |
| very red-haired | an-rua | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too red-haired | rórua | ró- lenites |
“Rua” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Red-haired in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for red-haired?
The Irish for red-haired is rua (pronounced “roo-a”). It comes after the noun: madra rua, a red-haired dog; bó rua, a red-haired cow.
How do you say more red-haired and most red-haired in Irish?
níos rua is more red-haired and is rua is most red-haired. In the past tense they become ní ba rua and ba rua.
How do you say very red-haired in Irish?
an-rua. Too red-haired is rórua, and as red-haired as is chomh rua le.
Does rua have more than one meaning?
Yes. Rua can mean red-haired, reddish brown or fierce, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between rua and dearg?
Use rua for red hair and reddish-brown animals, as in gruaig rua, while dearg is the bright red of things like a carr dearg.
Why does madra rua mean fox?
Madra rua literally means red dog, and it is the standard Irish word for a fox.
