HeyRuaHow to say “benefit” in Irish
- Irish:
- maith
- English:
- benefit, goodness, good people
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mah” /mˠah/
- Plural:
- maithe (benefits)
- Genitive singular:
- maithe, na maithe (e.g. ar son na maithe, for the sake of the good)
- Genitive plural:
- maithe, na maithe (e.g. cruinniú na maithe, the meeting of the nobles)
What does “maith” mean?
“Maith” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- benefit
- Something that is good or beneficial; benefit or advantage, as in 'it is no good' or 'for your own good'.Also: good, advantage, use, avail, goodness.
2 other meanings: goodness or good people
- 2goodness
- The good that is in a person or thing, or a good deed done for someone.Also: good deed, good turn, kindness shown.
- 3good people
- In the plural, the nobles or leading people of a place.Also: nobles, notables, gentry.
Other Irish words for benefit: maithe (good), tairbhe (benefit), liúntas (allowance), sochar (benefit)
The same spelling has its own page as:
“Maith” with the article
The plural of benefit in Irish is maithe. Here is maith after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Maith” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maith, the Irish word for benefit.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Benefit in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for benefit?
The Irish for benefit is maith (pronounced “mah”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is maithe. Depending on context it can also mean goodness or good people.
How do you pronounce maith in Irish?
Maith is said like “mah” (IPA /mˠah/).
What is the plural of benefit in Irish?
The plural of maith is maithe; with the article, na maithe means “the benefits”. The genitive plural is maithe, as in cruinniú na maithe (the meeting of the nobles).
Does maith have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maith can mean benefit, goodness or good people, depending on context; the first is the most common. Maith also has its own entry as an adjective meaning good. Maith also has its own entry as a verb meaning to forgive.
Why does maith change to mhaith?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaith. After ár (our) it stays ár maith, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'maith' and 'maitheas' as nouns?
'Maitheas' is the usual noun for goodness or benefit, while the noun 'maith' is found mainly in set phrases such as 'ní maith ar bith é' and 'maithe agus móruaisle'.
