HeyRuaHow to say “riddle” in Irish
- Irish:
- dubhfhocal
- English:
- riddle, obscure saying
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “DOO-ok-ul” /ˈd̪ˠuːˌokəlˠ/
- Plural:
- dubhfhocail (riddles)
- Genitive singular:
- dubhfhocail, an dubhfhocail (e.g. freagra an dubhfhocail, the answer to the riddle)
- Genitive plural:
- dubhfhocal, na ndubhfhocal (e.g. leabhar na ndubhfhocal, the book of the riddles)
What does “dubhfhocal” mean?
“Dubhfhocal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- riddle
- A puzzling question or statement with a hidden meaning that has to be worked out.Also: enigma, puzzle, conundrum.
1 other meaning: obscure saying
- 2obscure saying
- A word or saying whose meaning is dark or hard to understand.Also: cryptic remark, mystery.
Other Irish words for riddle: criathar (sieve)
“Dubhfhocal” with the article
The plural of riddle in Irish is dubhfhocail. Here is dubhfhocal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dubhfhocal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dubhfhocal, the Irish word for riddle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Riddle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for riddle?
The Irish for riddle is dubhfhocal (pronounced “DOO-ok-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dubhfhocail. Depending on context it can also mean obscure saying.
How do you pronounce dubhfhocal in Irish?
Dubhfhocal is said like “DOO-ok-ul” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːˌokəlˠ/).
What is the plural of riddle in Irish?
The plural of dubhfhocal is dubhfhocail; with the article, na dubhfhocail means “the riddles”. The genitive plural is dubhfhocal, as in leabhar na ndubhfhocal (the book of the riddles).
Does dubhfhocal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dubhfhocal can mean riddle or obscure saying, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dubhfhocal change to dhubhfhocal or ndubhfhocal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dubhfhocal becomes mo dhubhfhocal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndubhfhocal (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'dubhfhocal' and 'tomhas'?
Both can mean riddle; 'tomhas' is the everyday word for a guessing riddle, while 'dubhfhocal' stresses a dark or cryptic saying.
How do I say 'to speak in riddles'?
You can say 'labhairt i ndubhfhocail'.
