dubh
/d̪̊uh/
The Gaelic word for black is dubh.
The word dubh is an adjective used to describe something that is absorbing all light.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Donegal region of Ireland, the term dúbh is used for black.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Gaelic, adjectives follow the noun they modify. The adjective dubh is invariant in gender and number when used as a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'to be').
How do you pronounce it?
/d̪̊uh/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word dubh is an ancient relative of the English words 'deaf' and 'dumb'.
- In traditional Gaelic naming customs, dubh was often used as a nickname to distinguish between two people with the same first name.
- In Gaelic, the word dubh can describe not just the color black, but also deep shades of brown or very dark blue.
Examples in context
- Tha Dòmhnall Dubh an Dòmhnallaich a-nochd a' tòir air Mòraig.Black-haired Donald MacDonald is chasing after Morag tonight.This sentence shows how dubh can be used as part of a name.
- 'S ann agamsa a tha am fear dubh.The black one is mine.This sentence demonstrates using dubh to identify a specific person.Tatoeba #1516515 by Cainntear, translation #823527 by sacredceltic
- Bha an cù dubh air an fheur ris a’ ghrèin.The black dog on the grass was exposed to the sun.This sentence shows the adjective dubh being used to describe a dog.Tatoeba #852001 by marloncori, translation #852004 by marloncori
- An fear dubhThe black man
- Doras dubhBlack door
- Cath dubhBlack cat
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Catriona and Hamish are looking at a piece of clothing.
- CatrionaAm fearnaich dubh seo a tha glè bhreagha.This black jacket is very beautiful.
- HamishTha e a' coimhead math ort, a Chatriona.It looks good on you, Catriona.
- CatrionaAn eat an dath dubh a tha nas fheàrr?Is the black color better?
- HamishTha, tha e nas sìmplidhe.Yes, it is simpler.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries dubh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dubh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
