HeyRuaHow to say “mind” in Irish
- Irish:
- meabhair
- English:
- mind, memory, intelligence
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MYOW-ir” /mʲauɾʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- meabhrach, na meabhrach (e.g. galar meabhrach, mental illness)
What does “meabhair” mean?
“Meabhair” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mind
- The mind or mental faculties, especially sanity and the power of clear thinking.Also: sanity, sense, reason.
2 other meanings: memory or intelligence
“Meabhair” with the article
Here is meabhair after the article (an t-alt).
“Meabhair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meabhair, the Irish word for mind.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mind in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mind?
The Irish for mind is meabhair (pronounced “MYOW-ir”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean memory or intelligence.
How do you pronounce meabhair in Irish?
Meabhair is said like “MYOW-ir” (IPA /mʲauɾʲ/).
Does meabhair have a plural?
No plural form is given for meabhair in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does meabhair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meabhair can mean mind, memory or intelligence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meabhair change to mheabhair?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheabhair. After ár (our) it stays ár meabhair, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between meabhair, intinn and cuimhne?
'Meabhair' is the mind as sanity and understanding, as in 'as mo mheabhair' (out of my mind); 'intinn' is the mind as intention or thought, and 'cuimhne' is memory. 'De mheabhair' (by heart) is a fixed exception linking 'meabhair' to memory.
How do I say someone is going mad?
Say 'Tá sé ag dul as a mheabhair' (he is going out of his mind) or 'Chaill sé a mheabhair' (he lost his mind).
