dubh
/d̪ˠuvˠ/
The Irish word for the color black is dubh.
dubh is used as an adjective to describe something that is absorbing all light. It can also function as a noun to refer to the color black itself. If you are referring to a dark-skinned person, the phrase duine gorm is used instead.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form dubh is the masculine singular form, while the form dubha is used for feminine singular nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The base form dubh is used when describing masculine singular nouns. When describing feminine singular nouns, use the form dubha.
How do you pronounce it?
/d̪ˠuvˠ/
Did you know?
- The city of Dublin is called Baile Átha Cliath in Irish, but its English name 'Dublin' comes from Dubh Linn, meaning 'Black Pool'.
- The Irish word dubh is a distant relative of the English word 'deaf'. Both originate from the same Proto-Indo-European root describing something dark or obscured.
- In Irish folklore, the 'Black Dog' or madra dubh is often viewed as a supernatural omen or a guardian of the underworld.
Examples in context
- Caitheann sé éadaí dubha i gcónaí.He always wears black clothes.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe the color of clothes using dubh.Tatoeba #4773228 by Choctaw_Irish, translation #4773222 by Choctaw_Irish
- Tá an cat dubh.The cat is black.
- Ní maith liom an carr dubh.I do not like the black car.
Example conversation
Niamh and Conor are discussing a new piece of clothing.
- NiamhBa mhaith liom an t-uileár dubh seo.I would like this black sweater.
- ConorIs iontach an dath é.It is a wonderful color.
- NiamhAn bhfuil sé dubh go leor?Is it black enough?
- ConorTá, tá sé an-dubh.Yes, it is very black.
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: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
