Blemish in Irish (Máchail): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for blemish?

The Irish for blemish is máchail (pronounced “MAW-khil”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is máchailí. Depending on context it can also mean injury.

Q: What is the plural of blemish in Irish?

The plural of máchail is máchailí; with the article, na máchailí means “the blemishes”. The genitive plural is máchailí, as in liosta na máchailí (the list of the defects).

Q: Does máchail have more than one meaning?

Yes. Máchail can mean blemish or injury, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “blemish” in Irish

Irish:: máchail
English:: blemish, injury
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “MAW-khil” /ˈmˠaːxəlʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: máchailí (blemishes)
Genitive singular:: máchaile, na máchaile (e.g. rian na máchaile, the mark of the blemish)
Genitive plural:: máchailí, na máchailí (e.g. liosta na máchailí, the list of the defects)

What does “máchail” mean?

“Máchail” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

blemish: A mark, defect or flaw that spoils the appearance or perfection of something or someone.Also: defect, flaw, fault, imperfection.

1 other meaning: injury

2injury: Physical harm or a disability suffered by a person, such as a maim or hurt.Also: hurt, maim, disability.

“Máchail” with the article

The plural of blemish in Irish is máchailí. Here is máchail after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mháchail

the blemish

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

na máchailí

the blemishes

Plural: no change after na

“Máchail” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using máchail, the Irish word for blemish.

Níl máchail ar bith ar an gcarr seo.

There isn't a single flaw on this car.

Chonaic mé an mháchail ar an éadach.

I saw the blemish on the cloth.

Bhí máchailí beaga ar an troscán.

There were small defects in the furniture.

Is í sin an t-aon mháchail atá air.

That is the only fault he has.

Ní raibh mórán máchaile ar an obair.

There wasn't much wrong with the work.

D'fhág an timpiste máchail ar a chos.

The accident left an injury on his leg.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Blemish in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for blemish?

The Irish for blemish is máchail (pronounced “MAW-khil”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is máchailí. Depending on context it can also mean injury.

How do you pronounce máchail in Irish?

Máchail is said like “MAW-khil” (IPA /ˈmˠaːxəlʲ/).

What is the plural of blemish in Irish?

The plural of máchail is máchailí; with the article, na máchailí means “the blemishes”. The genitive plural is máchailí, as in liosta na máchailí (the list of the defects).

Does máchail have more than one meaning?

Yes. Máchail can mean blemish or injury, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does máchail change to mháchail?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mháchail. After ár (our) it stays ár máchail, because m does not take eclipsis.

How is 'máchail' different from 'locht'?

'Locht' is the everyday word for a fault or blame, while 'máchail' stresses a physical blemish or defect, as in 'gan mháchail' (flawless).

Blemish in Irish (Máchail): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage