HeyRuaHow to say “masterful” in Irish
- Irish:
- máistriúil
- English:
- masterful, masterly
- Word type:
- adjective
- More masterful:
- níos máistriúla
- Most masterful:
- is máistriúla
- Plural:
- máistriúla
- Pronunciation:
- “MAWSH-tchroo-il” /ˈmˠaːʃtʲɾʲuːlʲ/
What does “máistriúil” mean?
“Máistriúil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- masterful
- Behaving in a commanding, domineering way, liking to be in charge of others.Also: domineering, bossy, overbearing, imperious.
1 other meaning: masterly
- 2masterly
- Showing great skill, like the work of a master.Also: skilful, expert, accomplished.
“Máistriúil” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is máistriúil after fear (man, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: bean mháistriúil. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: fear máistriúil.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, máistriúla. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant: fir mháistriúla; after other plurals it does not: mná máistriúla.
More masterful, most masterful, very masterful
Tá sí níos máistriúla ná a deartháir. She is more domineering than her brother.
| more masterful | níos máistriúla | in the past tense: ní ba mháistriúla |
|---|---|---|
| most masterful | is máistriúla | in the past tense: ba mháistriúla |
| as masterful as | chomh máistriúil le | no change after chomh |
| very masterful | an-mháistriúil | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too masterful | rómháistriúil | ró- lenites |
“Máistriúil” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Masterful in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for masterful?
The Irish for masterful is máistriúil (pronounced “MAWSH-tchroo-il”). It comes after the noun: fear máistriúil, a masterful man; bean mháistriúil, a masterful woman.
How do you say more masterful and most masterful in Irish?
níos máistriúla is more masterful and is máistriúla is most masterful. In the past tense they become ní ba mháistriúla and ba mháistriúla.
Why does máistriúil become mháistriúil?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So bean mháistriúil (a masterful woman) but fear máistriúil (a masterful man), because fear is masculine.
What is the plural of máistriúil?
With a plural noun máistriúil becomes máistriúla: fir mháistriúla, mná máistriúla. After a plural that ends in a slender consonant it is lenited as well.
How do you say very masterful in Irish?
an-mháistriúil. Too masterful is rómháistriúil, and as masterful as is chomh máistriúil le.
Does máistriúil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Máistriúil can mean masterful or masterly, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Does 'máistriúil' always mean skilful?
Not always. 'Máistriúil' means masterful or masterly, but it can also mean domineering or bossy; for skilful work 'oilte' or 'cumasach' is often clearer.
