HeyRuaHow to say “goodness” in Irish
- Irish:
- maitheas
- English:
- goodness, good thing
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MA-huss” /ˈmˠahəsˠ/
- Plural:
- maitheasaí
- Genitive singular:
- maitheasa, na maitheasa (e.g. ar son na maitheasa, for the sake of goodness)
- Genitive plural:
- maitheasaí, na maitheasaí (e.g. liosta na maitheasaí, the list of good things)
What does “maitheas” mean?
“Maitheas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- goodness
- The quality of being good, or benefit and good that something does.Also: good, benefit, virtue.
1 other meaning: good thing
- 2good thing
- A good or kind thing, a favour or gift given to someone.Also: kindness, favour, gift.
“Maitheas” with the article
The plural of goodness in Irish is maitheasaí. Here is maitheas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Maitheas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maitheas, the Irish word for goodness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Goodness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for goodness?
The Irish for goodness is maitheas (pronounced “MA-huss”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is maitheasaí. Depending on context it can also mean good thing.
How do you pronounce maitheas in Irish?
Maitheas is said like “MA-huss” (IPA /ˈmˠahəsˠ/).
What is the plural of goodness in Irish?
The plural of maitheas is maitheasaí; with the article, it is na maitheasaí. The genitive plural is maitheasaí, as in liosta na maitheasaí (the list of good things).
Does maitheas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maitheas can mean goodness or good thing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maitheas change to mhaitheas?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaitheas. After ár (our) it stays ár maitheas, because m does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'it will do you good' in Irish?
Use déan maitheas do: Déanfaidh sé maitheas duit, 'it will do you good'.
What is the difference between maitheas and maith?
Maith is mainly the adjective 'good', while maitheas is the noun 'goodness' or 'benefit', as in Cén mhaitheas é? 'What good is it?'
