HeyRuaHow to say “spell” in Irish
- Irish:
- dreas
- English:
- spell, bout
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dras” /dʲɾʲas̪/
- Plural:
- dreasa (spells)
- Genitive singular:
- dreasa, an dreasa (e.g. deireadh an dreasa, the end of the spell)
- Genitive plural:
- dreas, na ndreas (e.g. tar éis cúpla dreas, after a few spells)
What does “dreas” mean?
“Dreas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spell
- A period or turn of time spent doing something, such as working or talking.Also: turn, bout, stint, while.
“Dreas” with the article
The plural of spell in Irish is dreasa. Here is dreas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dreas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dreas, the Irish word for spell.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spell in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spell?
The Irish for spell is dreas (pronounced “dras”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dreasa. Depending on context it can also mean bout.
How do you pronounce dreas in Irish?
Dreas is said like “dras” (IPA /dʲɾʲas̪/).
What is the plural of spell in Irish?
The plural of dreas is dreasa; with the article, na dreasa means “the spells”. The genitive plural is dreas, as in tar éis cúpla dreas (after a few spells).
Does dreas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dreas can mean spell or bout, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dreas change to dhreas or ndreas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dreas becomes mo dhreas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndreas (eclipsis).
How is 'dreas' different from 'seal' or 'tamall'?
'Dreas' suggests a spell of activity, as in 'dreas oibre', while 'tamall' and 'seal' are more general words for a while or a period of time.
