HeyRuaHow to say “martyr” in Irish
- Irish:
- mairtíreach
- English:
- martyr, sufferer
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAR-tyee-rukh” /ˈmˠaɾʲtʲiːɾʲəx/
- Plural:
- mairtírigh (martyrs)
- Genitive singular:
- mairtírigh, an mhairtírigh (e.g. uaigh an mhairtírigh, the martyr's grave)
- Genitive plural:
- mairtíreach, na mairtíreach (e.g. cuimhne na mairtíreach, the memory of the martyrs)
What does “mairtíreach” mean?
“Mairtíreach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- martyr
- A person who suffers death or great hardship for their faith, beliefs or a cause.Also: martyred person.
1 other meaning: sufferer
- 2sufferer
- A person who suffers constantly, for example from an illness or a hardship, often said with sympathy or humour.Also: martyr to, long-suffering person.
“Mairtíreach” with the article
The plural of martyr in Irish is mairtírigh. Here is mairtíreach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mairtíreach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mairtíreach, the Irish word for martyr.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Martyr in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for martyr?
The Irish for martyr is mairtíreach (pronounced “MAR-tyee-rukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mairtírigh. Depending on context it can also mean sufferer.
How do you pronounce mairtíreach in Irish?
Mairtíreach is said like “MAR-tyee-rukh” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾʲtʲiːɾʲəx/).
What is the plural of martyr in Irish?
The plural of mairtíreach is mairtírigh; with the article, na mairtírigh means “the martyrs”. The genitive plural is mairtíreach, as in cuimhne na mairtíreach (the memory of the martyrs).
Does mairtíreach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mairtíreach can mean martyr or sufferer, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mairtíreach change to mhairtíreach?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhairtíreach. After ár (our) it stays ár mairtíreach, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the word for martyrdom?
Martyrdom is 'mairtíreacht', as in 'fuair sé bás mairtíreachta', he suffered martyrdom.
