HeyRuaHow to say “explanation” in Irish
- Irish:
- míniú
- English:
- explanation, interpretation, smoothing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- mínigh, to explain (ag míniú, explaining)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “MEEN-oo” /ˈmʲiːnʲuː/
- Plural:
- mínithe (explanations)
- Genitive singular:
- mínithe, an mhínithe (e.g. nóta mínithe, explanatory note)
- Genitive plural:
- mínithe, na mínithe (e.g. líon na mínithe, the number of explanations)
What does “míniú” mean?
“Míniú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- explanation
- The act of making something clear or understandable; the verbal noun of the verb mínigh (explain).Also: explaining, clarification, exposition.
2 other meanings: interpretation or smoothing
- 2interpretation
- A way of understanding or explaining the meaning of something, such as a text or dream.Also: meaning, elucidation.
- 3smoothing
- The act of making something smooth or fine; a less common use of the verbal noun of mínigh.Also: softening, refining.
“Míniú” as a verbal noun
After ag, míniú means explaining: it is the verbal noun of the verb mínigh (to explain). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Míniú” with the article
The plural of explanation in Irish is mínithe. Here is míniú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Míniú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using míniú, the Irish word for explanation.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Explanation in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for explanation?
The Irish for explanation is míniú (pronounced “MEEN-oo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mínithe. Depending on context it can also mean interpretation or smoothing.
How do you pronounce míniú in Irish?
Míniú is said like “MEEN-oo” (IPA /ˈmʲiːnʲuː/).
What is the plural of explanation in Irish?
The plural of míniú is mínithe; with the article, na mínithe means “the explanations”. The genitive plural is mínithe, as in líon na mínithe (the number of explanations).
Does míniú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Míniú can mean explanation, interpretation or smoothing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does míniú change to mhíniú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhíniú. After ár (our) it stays ár míniú, because m does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'explain something to someone' using míniú?
Use the verb mínigh: mínigh an scéal dom, 'explain the matter to me'. With the noun you say tabhair míniú ar rud, 'give an explanation of something'.
What is the difference between míniú and míniúchán?
Both mean explanation; míniú is the verbal noun of mínigh and the usual word, while míniúchán is a less common noun form.
