Masculinity in Irish (Mascaltacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for masculinity?

The Irish for masculinity is mascaltacht (pronounced “MAS-kul-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean masculine gender.

Q: Does mascaltacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mascaltacht can mean masculinity or masculine gender, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “masculinity” in Irish

Irish:: mascaltacht
English:: masculinity, masculine gender
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “MAS-kul-tukht” /ˈmˠasˠkəlˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mascaltachta, na mascaltachta (e.g. coincheap na mascaltachta, the concept of masculinity)

What does “mascaltacht” mean?

“Mascaltacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

masculinity: The quality of being masculine or manly, the characteristics traditionally associated with men.Also: manliness, maleness.

1 other meaning: masculine gender

2masculine gender: In grammar, the quality of a noun or other word being masculine in gender.Also: masculinity, masculine.

“Mascaltacht” with the article

Here is mascaltacht after the article (an t-alt).

an mhascaltacht

the masculinity

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Mascaltacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mascaltacht, the Irish word for masculinity.

Bhí an léacht faoi mhascaltacht agus faoi bhaineannacht.

The lecture was about masculinity and femininity.

Tá tuairimí éagsúla ann faoin mascaltacht sa lá atá inniu ann.

There are different views about masculinity nowadays.

Scríobh sí aiste ar íomhá na mascaltachta sa phictiúrlann.

She wrote an essay on the image of masculinity in cinema.

Ní comhartha mascaltachta é a bheith garbh.

Being rough is not a sign of masculinity.

Tá an mhascaltacht ag athrú i ngach sochaí.

Masculinity is changing in every society.

Labhair sé go hoscailte faoina mhascaltacht féin.

He spoke openly about his own masculinity.

Tá mascaltacht an ainmfhocail seo soiléir ón alt.

The masculine gender of this noun is clear from the article.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Masculinity in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for masculinity?

The Irish for masculinity is mascaltacht (pronounced “MAS-kul-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean masculine gender.

How do you pronounce mascaltacht in Irish?

Mascaltacht is said like “MAS-kul-tukht” (IPA /ˈmˠasˠkəlˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does mascaltacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for mascaltacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does mascaltacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mascaltacht can mean masculinity or masculine gender, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mascaltacht change to mhascaltacht?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhascaltacht. After ár (our) it stays ár mascaltacht, because m does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'mascaltacht' and 'fearúlacht'?

'Mascaltacht' is the more abstract or technical word for masculinity, including grammatical gender, while 'fearúlacht' means manliness or manly courage in an everyday sense.

What is the opposite of 'mascaltacht'?

The opposite is 'baineannacht', meaning femininity, from 'baininscneach' and 'baineann'.

Masculinity in Irish (Mascaltacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage