Desire in Irish (Mian): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for desire?

The Irish for desire is mian (pronounced “mee-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is mianta. Depending on context it can also mean wish.

Q: What is the plural of desire in Irish?

The plural of mian is mianta; with the article, na mianta means “the desires”. The genitive plural is mianta, as in sásamh na mianta (the satisfaction of desires).

Q: Does mian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mian can mean desire or wish, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “desire” in Irish

Irish:: mian
English:: desire, wish
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “mee-un” /mʲiən̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: mianta (desires)
Genitive singular:: méine, na méine (e.g. ag sásamh na méine, satisfying the desire)
Genitive plural:: mianta, na mianta (e.g. sásamh na mianta, the satisfaction of desires)

What does “mian” mean?

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

desire: A strong wish or longing for something.Also: wish, longing, yearning, want.

1 other meaning: wish

2wish: Used in the phrase 'is mian liom' to say what someone wants or would like.Also: want, would like, intention.

Other Irish words for desire: fonn (desire), dúil (desire)

“Is mian liom”: I want to

Is mian liom is I want to, I wish to, followed by the verbal noun; más mian leat is if you wish.

isis

miana wish

liomwith me

Is mian liom …I want to …

liomIleatyouleisheléishelinnwelibhyou allleothey

Is mian liom labhairt leis. I want to speak to him.

An mian leat fanacht anseo? Do you want to stay here?

Similar phrases: ba mhaith liom (I would like), ba bhreá liom (I would love).

“Mian” with the article

The plural of desire in Irish is mianta. Here is mian after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mhian

the desire

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

na mianta

the desires

Plural: no change after na

“Mian” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mian, the Irish word for desire.

Is mian liom labhairt leis.

I want to speak to him.

An mian leat fanacht anseo?

Do you want to stay here?

Ní mian liom dul ann.

I don't want to go there.

Más mian leat.

If you wish.

Ba mhian liom buíochas a ghabháil libh.

I would like to thank you.

Is mian liom cuairt a thabhairt ar Árainn.

I'd like to visit Aran.

Níl aon dualgas ort vótáil mura mian leat.

You are not obliged to vote if you don't want to.

Bhí mian mhór aici a bheith ina dochtúir.

She had a great desire to be a doctor.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

comharthasign maoiniúfunding sprioctarget cabhairhelp fuilblood breithiúnasjudgment

Desire in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for desire?

The Irish for desire is mian (pronounced “mee-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is mianta. Depending on context it can also mean wish.

How do you pronounce mian in Irish?

Mian is said like “mee-un” (IPA /mʲiən̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of desire in Irish?

The plural of mian is mianta; with the article, na mianta means “the desires”. The genitive plural is mianta, as in sásamh na mianta (the satisfaction of desires).

Does mian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mian can mean desire or wish, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mian change to mhian?

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

How do I say 'I want' using mian?

Use the copula: 'Is mian liom', for example 'Is mian liom fanacht' means 'I want to stay'. The question form is 'Ar mhian leat?'

Is mian the same as mian meaning 'ore'?

No, 'mianach' is ore or mine; 'mian' means desire or wish.

Desire in Irish (Mian): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage