HeyRuaHow to say “forgiveness” in Irish
- Irish:
- maitheamh
- English:
- forgiveness, remission
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- maith, to forgive (ag maitheamh, forgiving)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MA-hoo” /ˈmˠahəw/
- Genitive singular:
- maithimh, an mhaithimh (e.g. ag lorg maithimh, seeking forgiveness)
What does “maitheamh” mean?
“Maitheamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- forgiveness
- The act of forgiving someone; the verbal noun of the verb maith, to forgive.Also: forgiving, pardon, pardoning.
1 other meaning: remission
- 2remission
- The cancelling or letting off of a debt, penalty or obligation.Also: remission of debt, cancellation, letting off.
Other Irish words for forgiveness: maithiúnas (forgiveness), pardún (pardon), maiteachas (forgiveness)
“Maitheamh” as a verbal noun
After ag, maitheamh means forgiving: it is the verbal noun of the verb maith (to forgive). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Maitheamh” with the article
Here is maitheamh after the article (an t-alt).
“Maitheamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maitheamh, the Irish word for forgiveness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Forgiveness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for forgiveness?
The Irish for forgiveness is maitheamh (pronounced “MA-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean remission.
How do you pronounce maitheamh in Irish?
Maitheamh is said like “MA-hoo” (IPA /ˈmˠahəw/).
Does maitheamh have a plural?
No plural form is given for maitheamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does maitheamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maitheamh can mean forgiveness or remission, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maitheamh change to mhaitheamh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaitheamh. After ár (our) it stays ár maitheamh, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between maitheamh and pardún?
Maitheamh is the general word for forgiving, from the verb maith; pardún is pardon, often in a legal or polite sense, as in 'Gabh mo phardún'.
How do I say 'forgive me'?
Use the verb: 'Maith dom é' or 'Maith dom', which is where maitheamh comes from.
