ádh
/ɑː/masculine
The English word "luck" is ádh in Irish.
ádh is a masculine noun meaning something that happens to someone by chance. You can use the phrase Ádh mór! to say "Good luck!" and the expression Ádh agat to mean "luck to you," which is used informally among friends and family.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When the noun ádh is used with the definite article, it takes the form an t-ádh.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑː/
Did you know?
- The word ádh is used in the phrase go n-éirí an t-ádh leat, which literally translates to 'may luck rise with you'.
- In traditional Irish folklore, certain plants and stones were believed to grant ádh, leading to a wide variety of local charms and amulets.
- When wishing someone 'good luck' with Ádh mór!, the word mór literally means 'big', suggesting that luck is something that can be measured in size.
Examples in context
- Bhíomar ag iarraidh an t-ádh a ghuí leat.We wanted to wish you good luck.This sentence shows how to wish someone luck using ádh.Tatoeba #6319301 by BasicDeer, translation #2014771 by CK
- Ádh mór!Good luck!This sentence is a common way to say "Good luck!" using ádh.Tatoeba #7801402 by eo_as, translation #429220 by Clavain
Example conversation
Oisín and Saoirse are talking about a lottery ticket.
- OisínAn bhfuil ádh agat, a Saoirse?Are you lucky, Saoirse?
- SaoirseNíl ádh agam ar bpsáts.I don't have a bit of luck.
- OisínBídh ádh leat leis an ticéad.May luck be with you with the ticket.
- SaoirseGo raibh go leor agat, a Oisín.Thank you very much, Oisín.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations and entries ádh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
