ádh na nÉireannach
The phrase "luck of the Irish" in Gaelic is ádh na nÉireannach.
This phrase is used to describe the perceived good fortune or luck associated with Irish people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ádh (luck), na (the – plural genitive article) and nÉireannach (Irish people/Irishmen).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ádh is a masculine noun, which determines the gender of any adjectives that might follow it in a sentence.
Did you know?
- While the English phrase 'luck of the Irish' is often used to mean simple good fortune, it was historically used as a sarcastic remark to suggest that an Irishman's success was due to blind luck rather than skill.
- There is a common misconception that this phrase is a direct translation of an ancient Gaelic proverb, but the specific English wording 'luck of the Irish' likely originated in the United States.
- In Gaelic, the word for 'luck', ádh, is more than just a random event. It is historically viewed as a spiritual quality or a protective blessing that accompanies a person's entire life.
Examples in context
- Tá ádh na nÉireannach leo.They have the luck of the Irish.
- An bhfuil ádh na nÉireannach agat?Do you have the luck of the Irish?
- Níl sé sin ach ádh na nÉireannach.That is just the luck of the Irish.
Example conversation
Isla and Angus are playing a board game.
- IslaNuair a chonaic mé an cárta sin, bhí ádh na nÉireannach liom.When I saw that card, I had the luck of the Irish.
- AngusNí féidir leis an t-ádh sin a chreidiúnt!That luck cannot be believed!
- IslaTá mé an-sáitheach leis an t-ádh seo.I am very happy with this luck.
- AngusBígí cúramach, a Isla!Be careful, Isla!
