Favour in Irish (Comaoin): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for favour?

The Irish for favour is comaoin (pronounced “KUM-een”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is comaoineacha. Depending on context it can also mean recompense or enhancement.

Q: What is the plural of favour in Irish?

The plural of comaoin is comaoineacha; with the article, na comaoineacha means “the favours”. The genitive plural is comaoineacha, as in cúiteamh na gcomaoineacha (repaying the favours).

Q: Does comaoin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Comaoin can mean favour, recompense or enhancement, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “favour” in Irish

Irish:: comaoin
English:: favour, recompense, enhancement
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KUM-een” /ˈkoməiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: comaoineacha (favours)
Genitive singular:: comaoine, na comaoine (e.g. luach na comaoine, the value of the favour)
Genitive plural:: comaoineacha, na gcomaoineacha (e.g. cúiteamh na gcomaoineacha, repaying the favours)

What does “comaoin” mean?

“Comaoin” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

favour: A kindness or good turn done for someone, which creates a sense of obligation.Also: kindness, good turn, obligation, indebtedness.

2 other meanings: recompense or enhancement

2recompense: Something given in return for a favour or service; in law, consideration.Also: return, consideration, requital.
3enhancement: Something that adds to or improves the value of a thing.Also: benefit, improvement.

Other Irish words for favour: fabhar (favour), gar (favour)

“Comaoin” with the article

The plural of favour in Irish is comaoineacha. Here is comaoin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chomaoin

the favour

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na comaoineacha

the favours

Plural: no change after na

“Comaoin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using comaoin, the Irish word for favour.

Tá mé go mór faoi chomaoin agat as do chabhair.

I am very much indebted to you for your help.

Chuir sí comaoin mhór orm inné.

She did me a great favour yesterday.

Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar an gcomaoin sin.

I won't forget that favour.

Ba mhaith liom an chomaoin a chúiteamh leat.

I'd like to repay the favour to you.

Chuir sé a lán comaoineacha orainn thar na blianta.

He did us many favours over the years.

Níor iarr sé aon chomaoin ar ais.

He asked for nothing in return.

Ní maith liom a bheith faoi chomaoin ag duine ar bith.

I don't like being beholden to anyone.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Favour in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for favour?

The Irish for favour is comaoin (pronounced “KUM-een”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is comaoineacha. Depending on context it can also mean recompense or enhancement.

How do you pronounce comaoin in Irish?

Comaoin is said like “KUM-een” (IPA /ˈkoməiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of favour in Irish?

The plural of comaoin is comaoineacha; with the article, na comaoineacha means “the favours”. The genitive plural is comaoineacha, as in cúiteamh na gcomaoineacha (repaying the favours).

Does comaoin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Comaoin can mean favour, recompense or enhancement, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does comaoin change to chomaoin or gcomaoin?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) comaoin becomes mo chomaoin (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcomaoin (eclipsis).

How do I say 'I'm indebted to you' in Irish?

Say 'Tá mé faoi chomaoin agat', literally 'I am under obligation at you'; 'go mór' can be added for emphasis.

Is 'comaoin' the same as 'Comaoineach'?

No: 'comaoin' is a favour or obligation, while 'Comaoineach' (Communion) is the religious sacrament, a related but separate word.

Favour in Irish (Comaoin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage