HeyRuaHow to say “good” in Irish
- Irish:
- maithe
- English:
- good
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MA-hyuh” /ˈmˠahə/
- Genitive singular:
- maithe, na maithe (e.g. ar mhaithe leis an bpobal, for the good of the community)
What does “maithe” mean?
- good
- Good or benefit, used almost only in the phrases 'ar mhaithe le' and 'mar mhaithe le', meaning for the sake or good of someone or something.Also: benefit, sake, for the sake of, for the good of.
Other Irish words for good: maith (good), maitheas (goodness), maith (benefit)
“Maithe” with the article
Here is maithe after the article (an t-alt).
“Maithe” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maithe, the Irish word for good.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Good in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for good?
The Irish for good is maithe (pronounced “MA-hyuh”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce maithe in Irish?
Maithe is said like “MA-hyuh” (IPA /ˈmˠahə/).
Does maithe have a plural?
No plural form is given for maithe in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does maithe change to mhaithe?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaithe. After ár (our) it stays ár maithe, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'maithe' the same as the adjective 'maith'?
It is related, but 'maithe' here is a noun used in 'ar mhaithe le' (for the good of). Do not confuse it with 'maithe', the plural of the adjective 'maith', as in 'daoine maithe'.
What is the difference between 'ar mhaithe le' and 'ar son'?
'Ar mhaithe le' stresses benefit or purpose (ar mhaithe le do shláinte), while 'ar son' means on behalf of or for (ar son na hÉireann).
