HeyRuaHow to say “finger” in Irish
- Irish:
- méar
- English:
- finger, toe, leg (of crustacean)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mayr” /mʲeːɾˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- méire, na méire (e.g. barr na méire, the tip of the finger)
What does “méar” mean?
“Méar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- finger
- One of the long movable parts at the end of the hand.Also: digit, fingertip.
2 other meanings: toe or leg (of crustacean)
- 2toe
- One of the digits of the foot, usually in the phrase 'méar coise'.Also: digit of foot.
- 3leg (of crustacean)
- A leg or claw-like limb of a crab or similar creature.Also: leg, crab leg.
“Méar” with the article
Here is méar after the article (an t-alt).
“Méar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using méar, the Irish word for finger.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Finger in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for finger?
The Irish for finger is méar (pronounced “mayr”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean toe or leg (of crustacean).
How do you pronounce méar in Irish?
Méar is said like “mayr” (IPA /mʲeːɾˠ/).
Does méar have a plural?
No plural form is given for méar in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does méar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Méar can mean finger, toe or leg (of crustacean), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does méar change to mhéar?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhéar. After ár (our) it stays ár méar, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is the thumb a 'méar' in Irish?
The thumb has its own word, 'ordóg', though it is sometimes counted among the fingers; 'méar' usually means the other fingers.
How do I say 'toe' in Irish?
Say 'méar coise', literally 'finger of the foot', or 'ladhar' in some dialects.
