HeyRuaHow to say “darling” in Irish
- Irish:
- muirnín
- English:
- darling
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MUR-neen” /ˈmˠuːɾˠnʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- muirníní
- Genitive singular:
- muirnín, an mhuirnín (e.g. gáire an mhuirnín, the darling's laugh)
- Genitive plural:
- muirníní, na muirníní (e.g. gáire na muirníní, the laughter of the darlings)
What does “muirnín” mean?
- darling
- A person who is dearly loved, often used as a term of endearment.Also: sweetheart, beloved, dear, love.
Other Irish words for darling: croídín (little heart), maoinín (darling)
“Muirnín” with the article
The plural of darling in Irish is muirníní. Here is muirnín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Muirnín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using muirnín, the Irish word for darling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “muirnín”
Darling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for darling?
The Irish for darling is muirnín (pronounced “MUR-neen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is muirníní.
How do you pronounce muirnín in Irish?
Muirnín is said like “MUR-neen” (IPA /ˈmˠuːɾˠnʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of darling in Irish?
The plural of muirnín is muirníní; with the article, it is na muirníní. The genitive plural is muirníní, as in gáire na muirníní (the laughter of the darlings).
Why does muirnín change to mhuirnín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhuirnín. After ár (our) it stays ár muirnín, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'mavourneen' in English songs related to muirnín?
Yes, 'mavourneen' comes from 'mo mhuirnín', meaning 'my darling'.
How is muirnín used when speaking to someone?
It is used in the vocative with lenition: 'a mhuirnín', like 'a stór' or 'a ghrá'.
