Mastiff in Irish (Maistín): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for mastiff?

The Irish for mastiff is maistín (pronounced “mash-TEEN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is maistíní. Depending on context it can also mean bully.

Q: What is the plural of mastiff in Irish?

The plural of maistín is maistíní; with the article, na maistíní means “the mastiffs”. The genitive plural is maistíní, as in tafann na maistíní (the barking of the mastiffs).

Q: Does maistín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maistín can mean mastiff or bully, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “mastiff” in Irish

Irish:: maistín
English:: mastiff, bully
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “mash-TEEN” /mˠaʃˈtʲiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: maistíní (mastiffs)
Genitive singular:: maistín, an mhaistín (e.g. tafann an mhaistín, the barking of the mastiff)
Genitive plural:: maistíní, na maistíní (e.g. tafann na maistíní, the barking of the mastiffs)

What does “maistín” mean?

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

mastiff: A large, fierce-looking dog, or a rough mongrel dog.Also: cur, mongrel, fierce dog, tyke.

1 other meaning: bully

2bully: A rough, mean or bullying person, such as a lout or a scold.Also: lout, cur, thug, virago.

“Maistín” with the article

The plural of mastiff in Irish is maistíní. Here is maistín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an maistín

the mastiff

No change after an

na maistíní

the mastiffs

Plural: no change after na

“Maistín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using maistín, the Irish word for mastiff.

Tá maistín mór ag an bhfeirmeoir sin.

That farmer has a big mastiff.

Bhí an maistín ag tafann ag an ngeata.

The cur was barking at the gate.

Bhí eagla orm roimh mhaistín na comharsan.

I was afraid of the neighbour's mastiff.

Ná bí i do mhaistín leis an bpáiste sin.

Don't be a bully to that child.

Maistín ceart é, níl meas aige ar aon duine.

He's a real lout, he respects nobody.

Bhí maistíní ag fánaíocht ar na sráideanna.

Curs were roaming the streets.

Choinnigh an maistín na gadaithe amach ón teach.

The mastiff kept the thieves out of the house.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord cléleft stocstock coscban

Mastiff in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mastiff?

The Irish for mastiff is maistín (pronounced “mash-TEEN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is maistíní. Depending on context it can also mean bully.

How do you pronounce maistín in Irish?

Maistín is said like “mash-TEEN” (IPA /mˠaʃˈtʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of mastiff in Irish?

The plural of maistín is maistíní; with the article, na maistíní means “the mastiffs”. The genitive plural is maistíní, as in tafann na maistíní (the barking of the mastiffs).

Does maistín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maistín can mean mastiff or bully, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does maistín change to mhaistín?

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

What is 'maistíneacht'?

'Maistíneacht' means rough, bullying or loutish behaviour, from 'maistín'.

Is 'maistín' just a dog?

No. It can mean a fierce dog, but applied to a person, as in 'is maistín é', it is an insult meaning a bully or lout.

Mastiff in Irish (Maistín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage