HeyRuaHow to say “mate” in Irish
- Irish:
- máta
- English:
- mate
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAW-tuh” /ˈmˠaːt̪ˠə/
Various forms
- Plural:
- mátaí (mates)
- Genitive singular:
- máta, an mháta (e.g. cábán an mháta, the mate's cabin)
- Genitive plural:
- mátaí, na mátaí (e.g. dualgais na mátaí, the duties of the mates)
What does “máta” mean?
- mate
- A ship's officer ranking below the captain, such as the first or second mate.Also: ship's mate, first mate, second mate.
“Máta” with the article
The plural of mate in Irish is mátaí. Here is máta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
an máta
the mate
No change after an
na mátaí
the mates
Plural: no change after na
“Máta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using máta, the Irish word for mate.
Is é Seán an máta ar an long seo.
Seán is the mate on this ship.
Thug an máta orduithe don chriú.
The mate gave orders to the crew.
Bhí an captaen agus an máta ar an deic.
The captain and the mate were on deck.
Chuaigh mé go cábán an mháta.
I went to the mate's cabin.
Bhí beirt mhátaí ar bord na loinge.
There were two mates aboard the ship.
Ceapadh é ina mháta anuraidh.
He was appointed mate last year.
Ba é m'athair an chéad mháta ar an soitheach.
My father was the first mate on the vessel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mate in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mate?
The Irish for mate is máta (pronounced “MAW-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mátaí.
How do you pronounce máta in Irish?
Máta is said like “MAW-tuh” (IPA /ˈmˠaːt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of mate in Irish?
The plural of máta is mátaí; with the article, na mátaí means “the mates”. The genitive plural is mátaí, as in dualgais na mátaí (the duties of the mates).
Why does máta change to mháta?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mháta. After ár (our) it stays ár máta, because m does not take eclipsis.
Does 'máta' mean mate in the sense of friend?
No, 'máta' is the officer on a ship. For a friend or pal use 'cara' or 'comrádaí'.
