dubh
/d̪̊uh/
The Gaelic word for black is dubh.
dubh is an adjective used to describe something that is black, meaning it absorbs all light.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
While dubh is the default form, it changes based on the noun it describes. Use dubha for feminine singular nouns and dubhte for the genitive singular case.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dubh is variable. It changes to dubha when modifying a feminine singular noun, and it changes to dubhte when used in the genitive singular case.
How do you pronounce it?
/d̪̊uh/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word dubh is a distant relative of the English words 'deaf' and 'dumb'.
- In Gaelic naming traditions, dubh is often used as a descriptive nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.
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 part of a name or description.
- 'S ann agamsa a tha am fear dubh.The black one is mine.This sentence demonstrates how to use dubh to identify a 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 illustrates how to use dubh to describe an animal.Tatoeba #852001 by marloncori, translation #852004 by marloncori
- Tha an cat dubh.The cat is black.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Isla and Angus are discussing a piece of clothing.
- IslaA bheil an t-uair dubh agad?Do you have the black hour?
- AngusCha bhith, ach tha am pìos dubh agam.No, but I have the black piece.
- IslaAn e dubh an t-uilebheist sin?Is that monster black?
- AngusTha, tha e guta dubh.Yes, it is completely 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: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
