HeyRuaHow to say “master” in Irish
- Irish:
- máistir
- English:
- master, schoolmaster
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAWSH-tyir” /ˈmˠɑːʃtʲəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- máistrí (masters)
- Genitive singular:
- máistir, an mháistir (e.g. teach an mháistir, the master's house)
- Genitive plural:
- máistrí, na máistrí (e.g. cruinniú na máistrí, the meeting of the masters)
What does “máistir” mean?
“Máistir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- master
- A person who is in charge of others, such as an employer or the owner of a servant or animal.Also: boss, employer, owner.
2 other meanings: schoolmaster
- 2schoolmaster
- A male teacher, especially the head teacher of a primary school.Also: teacher, headmaster, master.
- 3master
- A person who is highly skilled in a craft or art, an expert.Also: expert, master craftsman.
“Máistir” with the article
The plural of master in Irish is máistrí. Here is máistir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Máistir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using máistir, the Irish word for master.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Master in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for master?
The Irish for master is máistir (pronounced “MAWSH-tyir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is máistrí. Depending on context it can also mean schoolmaster.
How do you pronounce máistir in Irish?
Máistir is said like “MAWSH-tyir” (IPA /ˈmˠɑːʃtʲəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of master in Irish?
The plural of máistir is máistrí; with the article, na máistrí means “the masters”. The genitive plural is máistrí, as in cruinniú na máistrí (the meeting of the masters).
Does máistir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Máistir can mean master or schoolmaster, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does máistir change to mháistir?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mháistir. After ár (our) it stays ár máistir, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the female equivalent of máistir?
A female teacher or mistress is 'máistreás', so 'an mháistreás' is the schoolmistress, while 'an máistir' is the schoolmaster.
Is máistir the usual word for a teacher?
The general word is 'múinteoir'; 'an máistir' is a traditional way to refer to the male (head) teacher of a national school.
