HeyRuaHow to say “darling” in Irish
- Irish:
- maoinín
- English:
- darling, little treasure
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “MWEE-neen” /ˈmˠiːnʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- maoiníní
- Genitive singular:
- maoinín, na maoinín (e.g. gáire mo mhaoinín, my darling's laugh)
- Genitive plural:
- maoiníní, na maoiníní (e.g. gáire na maoiníní, the laughter of the little darlings)
What does “maoinín” mean?
“Maoinín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- darling
- A term of affection for a dearly loved person, especially a child.Also: pet, dear, treasure, sweetheart.
“Maoinín” with the article
The plural of darling in Irish is maoiníní. Here is maoinín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Maoinín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maoinín, the Irish word for darling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Darling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for darling?
The Irish for darling is maoinín (pronounced “MWEE-neen”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is maoiníní. Depending on context it can also mean little treasure.
How do you pronounce maoinín in Irish?
Maoinín is said like “MWEE-neen” (IPA /ˈmˠiːnʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of darling in Irish?
The plural of maoinín is maoiníní; with the article, it is na maoiníní. The genitive plural is maoiníní, as in gáire na maoiníní (the laughter of the little darlings).
Does maoinín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maoinín can mean darling or little treasure, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maoinín change to mhaoinín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaoinín. After ár (our) it stays ár maoinín, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is 'maoinín' related to 'maoin'?
'Maoinín' is the diminutive of 'maoin' (wealth, property), so literally 'little treasure', and it is used affectionately like 'a stór' or 'a mhuirnín'.
