HeyRuaHow to say “killing” in Irish
- Irish:
- marú
- English:
- killing, slaughter
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- maraigh, to kill (ag marú, killing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “ma-ROO” /mˠaˈɾˠuː/
- Plural:
- maruithe
- Genitive singular:
- maraithe, an mharaithe (e.g. am an mharaithe, the time of the killing)
- Genitive plural:
- maruithe, na maruithe (e.g. líon na maruithe, the number of killings)
What does “marú” mean?
“Marú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- killing
- The act of killing a person or animal; it is the verbal noun of the verb maraigh.Also: kill, slaying, death.
1 other meaning: slaughter
- 2slaughter
- The killing of animals, especially livestock for meat.Also: slaughtering, butchering.
Other Irish words for killing: murdar (murder)
“Marú” as a verbal noun
After ag, marú means killing: it is the verbal noun of the verb maraigh (to kill). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Marú” with the article
The plural of killing in Irish is maruithe. Here is marú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Marú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using marú, the Irish word for killing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Killing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for killing?
The Irish for killing is marú (pronounced “ma-ROO”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is maruithe. Depending on context it can also mean slaughter.
How do you pronounce marú in Irish?
Marú is said like “ma-ROO” (IPA /mˠaˈɾˠuː/).
What is the plural of killing in Irish?
The plural of marú is maruithe; with the article, it is na maruithe. The genitive plural is maruithe, as in líon na maruithe (the number of killings).
Does marú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Marú can mean killing or slaughter, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does marú change to mharú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mharú. After ár (our) it stays ár marú, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between marú and dúnmharú?
Marú is any killing, of a person or an animal, while dúnmharú specifically means murder, an unlawful deliberate killing.
Can marú be used figuratively?
Yes, as in English: tá an tinneas cinn do mo mharú means 'the headache is killing me'.
