Superstition in Irish (Piseog): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for superstition?

The Irish for superstition is piseog (pronounced “PISH-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is piseoga. Depending on context it can also mean charm.

Q: What is the plural of superstition in Irish?

The plural of piseog is piseoga; with the article, na piseoga means “the superstitions”. The genitive plural is piseog, as in bunús na bpiseog (the origin of the superstitions).

Q: Does piseog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Piseog can mean superstition or charm, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “superstition” in Irish

Irish:: piseog
English:: superstition, charm
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “PISH-ohg” /ˈpʲɪʃoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: piseoga (superstitions)
Genitive singular:: piseoige, na piseoige (e.g. bunús na piseoige, the origin of the superstition)
Genitive plural:: piseog, na bpiseog (e.g. bunús na bpiseog, the origin of the superstitions)

What does “piseog” mean?

“Piseog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

superstition: A traditional belief or practice based on fear of bad luck or magic rather than reason.Also: superstitious belief, old wives' tale, folk belief.

1 other meaning: charm

2charm: A spell or piece of magic, especially one believed to bring harm or good luck.Also: spell, hex, pishogue.

“Piseog” with the article

The plural of superstition in Irish is piseoga. Here is piseog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an phiseog

the superstition

Lenition: p becomes ph after an (feminine noun)

na piseoga

the superstitions

Plural: no change after na

“Piseog” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using piseog, the Irish word for superstition.

Níl ansin ach piseog.

That's only a superstition.

Creideann mo mháthair sna piseoga go léir.

My mother believes in all the superstitions.

Deirtear gur mí-ádh é, ach is piseog í.

They say it's bad luck, but it's a superstition.

Bhí go leor piseog ag na seandaoine.

The old people had lots of superstitions.

Ní chreidim i bpiseoga ar chor ar bith.

I don't believe in superstitions at all.

Tá an phiseog sin coitianta in Éirinn fós.

That superstition is still common in Ireland.

Is piseog é gan siúl faoi dhréimire.

Not walking under a ladder is a superstition.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

bronntanaspresent deochdrink nuachtnews réimserange sífairy mound próiseasprocess

Superstition in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for superstition?

The Irish for superstition is piseog (pronounced “PISH-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is piseoga. Depending on context it can also mean charm.

How do you pronounce piseog in Irish?

Piseog is said like “PISH-ohg” (IPA /ˈpʲɪʃoːɡ/).

What is the plural of superstition in Irish?

The plural of piseog is piseoga; with the article, na piseoga means “the superstitions”. The genitive plural is piseog, as in bunús na bpiseog (the origin of the superstitions).

Does piseog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Piseog can mean superstition or charm, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does piseog change to phiseog or bpiseog?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) piseog becomes mo phiseog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpiseog (eclipsis).

Is 'pishogue' in Hiberno-English the same word?

Yes, 'pishogue' is borrowed from 'piseog' and means a superstition or charm.

How do I say someone is superstitious?

Use the adjective 'piseogach': 'Tá sé an-phiseogach.' means 'He is very superstitious.'

Superstition in Irish (Piseog): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage