HeyRuaHow to say “courage” in Irish
- Irish:
- misneach
- English:
- courage, heart
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MISH-nyukh” /ˈmʲiʃnʲəx/
- Genitive singular:
- misnigh, an mhisnigh (e.g. duine misnigh, a person of courage)
What does “misneach” mean?
“Misneach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- courage
- The quality of being brave and facing danger or difficulty without fear.Also: bravery, nerve, boldness.
“Misneach” with the article
Here is misneach after the article (an t-alt).
“Misneach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using misneach, the Irish word for courage.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Courage in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for courage?
The Irish for courage is misneach (pronounced “MISH-nyukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean heart.
How do you pronounce misneach in Irish?
Misneach is said like “MISH-nyukh” (IPA /ˈmʲiʃnʲəx/).
Does misneach have a plural?
No plural form is given for misneach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does misneach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Misneach can mean courage or heart, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does misneach change to mhisneach?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhisneach. After ár (our) it stays ár misneach, because m does not take eclipsis.
How do I say someone 'had the courage' to do something?
Use the pattern 'bhí sé de mhisneach aige', for example 'Bhí sé de mhisneach aici imeacht', she had the courage to leave.
What is the difference between misneach and uchtach?
Both mean courage or heart; 'misneach' is the general everyday word, while 'uchtach' leans more towards confidence and encouragement, as in 'uchtach a thabhairt do dhuine'.
