HeyRuaHow to say “little dog” in Irish
- Irish:
- maidrín
- English:
- little dog, lapdog
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAD-reen” /ˈmadʲɾʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- maidríní (little dogs)
- Genitive singular:
- maidrín, an mhaidrín (e.g. eireaball an mhaidrín, the little dog's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- maidríní, na maidríní (e.g. tafann na maidríní, the barking of the little dogs)
What does “maidrín” mean?
“Maidrín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- little dog
- A small dog or puppy, often used affectionately; the diminutive of 'madra'.Also: doggy, puppy, small dog, pup.
1 other meaning: lapdog
- 2lapdog
- Figuratively, a person who fawns on or blindly follows someone else.Also: toady, lackey, sycophant.
“Maidrín” with the article
The plural of little dog in Irish is maidríní. Here is maidrín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Maidrín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maidrín, the Irish word for little dog.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Little dog in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for little dog?
The Irish for little dog is maidrín (pronounced “MAD-reen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is maidríní. Depending on context it can also mean lapdog.
How do you pronounce maidrín in Irish?
Maidrín is said like “MAD-reen” (IPA /ˈmadʲɾʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of little dog in Irish?
The plural of maidrín is maidríní; with the article, na maidríní means “the little dogs”. The genitive plural is maidríní, as in tafann na maidríní (the barking of the little dogs).
Does maidrín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maidrín can mean little dog or lapdog, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maidrín change to mhaidrín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaidrín. After ár (our) it stays ár maidrín, because m does not take eclipsis.
What does 'maidrín rua' mean?
'Maidrín rua', literally 'little red dog', is a common affectionate name for the fox, alongside 'sionnach' and 'madra rua'.
How is 'maidrín' different from 'coileán'?
'Coileán' specifically means a puppy or whelp, while 'maidrín' is a diminutive of 'madra' meaning any little dog, often said with affection.
