HeyRuaHow to say “adornment” in Irish
- Irish:
- maise
- English:
- adornment, becoming act
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MASH-uh” /ˈmˠaʃə/
- Genitive singular:
- maise, na maise (e.g. nóta maise, grace note)
What does “maise” mean?
“Maise” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- adornment
- Something that makes a person or thing look attractive or elegant; ornament or beauty.Also: beauty, ornament, grace, elegance.
1 other meaning: becoming act
- 2becoming act
- Used in phrases like 'is olc an mhaise duit' to say whether an action is fitting or proper for someone.Also: propriety, good of, bad of.
Other Irish words for adornment: maisiúchán (decoration)
“Maise” with the article
Here is maise after the article (an t-alt).
“Maise” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maise, the Irish word for adornment.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “maise”
Adornment in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for adornment?
The Irish for adornment is maise (pronounced “MASH-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean becoming act.
How do you pronounce maise in Irish?
Maise is said like “MASH-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠaʃə/).
Does maise have a plural?
No plural form is given for maise in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does maise have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maise can mean adornment or becoming act, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maise change to mhaise?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaise. After ár (our) it stays ár maise, because m does not take eclipsis.
What does 'is olc an mhaise duit' mean?
It means 'it is wrong or unbecoming of you'; similarly 'ba mhaith an mhaise dó' means 'it was good of him'.
How is 'maise' used with greetings?
In 'Nollaig shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise', 'faoi mhaise' wishes a prosperous, fine new year.
