Distrust in Irish (Mímhuinín): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for distrust?

The Irish for distrust is mímhuinín (pronounced “MEE-vwin-yeen”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean self-doubt.

Q: Does mímhuinín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mímhuinín can mean distrust or self-doubt, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “distrust” in Irish

Irish:: mímhuinín
English:: distrust, self-doubt
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “MEE-vwin-yeen” /ˈmʲiːˌvˠɪnʲiːnʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mímhuiníne, na mímhuiníne (e.g. cúis na mímhuiníne, the cause of the distrust)

What does “mímhuinín” mean?

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

distrust: A lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.Also: mistrust, lack of confidence, diffidence, suspicion.

1 other meaning: self-doubt

2self-doubt: A lack of confidence in yourself or your own abilities.Also: lack of self-confidence, diffidence, insecurity.

Other Irish words for distrust: drochamhras (suspicion)

“Mímhuinín” with the article

Here is mímhuinín after the article (an t-alt).

an mhímhuinín

the distrust

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Mímhuinín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mímhuinín, the Irish word for distrust.

Tá mímhuinín agam as an bhfear sin.

I distrust that man.

Bhí mímhuinín ag na daoine as an rialtas.

The people had no confidence in the government.

Chuir an scéal mímhuinín orm.

The story made me suspicious.

Ní raibh aon mhímhuinín aici aisti féin.

She had no self-doubt at all.

D'fhás an mhímhuinín idir an dá thaobh.

The distrust grew between the two sides.

Is deacair atmaisféar na mímhuiníne a athrú.

It is hard to change the atmosphere of distrust.

Labhair sé le mímhuinín ina ghlór.

He spoke with distrust in his voice.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

scothpick eachtraadventure snámhswimming cóipcopy scáthshadow áthasjoy

Distrust in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for distrust?

The Irish for distrust is mímhuinín (pronounced “MEE-vwin-yeen”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean self-doubt.

How do you pronounce mímhuinín in Irish?

Mímhuinín is said like “MEE-vwin-yeen” (IPA /ˈmʲiːˌvˠɪnʲiːnʲ/).

Does mímhuinín have a plural?

No plural form is given for mímhuinín in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does mímhuinín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mímhuinín can mean distrust or self-doubt, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mímhuinín change to mhímhuinín?

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

How is 'mímhuinín' related to 'muinín'?

'Muinín' means trust or confidence, and the negative prefix 'mí-' with lenition gives 'mímhuinín', distrust. You say 'tá mímhuinín agam as' for 'I distrust him'.

What preposition goes with 'mímhuinín'?

Like 'muinín', it takes 'as': 'mímhuinín as duine', distrust of a person.

Distrust in Irish (Mímhuinín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage