HeyRuaHow to say “mistress” in Irish
- Irish:
- máistreás
- English:
- mistress, schoolmistress, wife
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAWSH-tchraws” /ˈmˠɑːʃtʲɾʲɑːsˠ/
- Plural:
- máistreásaí (mistresses)
- Genitive singular:
- máistreása, na máistreása (e.g. teach na máistreása, the mistress's house)
- Genitive plural:
- máistreásaí, na máistreásaí (e.g. cruinniú na máistreásaí, the meeting of the mistresses)
What does “máistreás” mean?
“Máistreás” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mistress
- A woman who is in charge, such as the female head of a household or the woman who employs servants.Also: woman in charge, lady of the house, female employer.
2 other meanings: schoolmistress or wife
- 2schoolmistress
- A female teacher, especially in a school.Also: female teacher, teacher, governess.
- 3wife
- A man's wife, used familiarly like 'the missus'.Also: missus, the missus.
“Máistreás” with the article
The plural of mistress in Irish is máistreásaí. Here is máistreás after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Máistreás” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using máistreás, the Irish word for mistress.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mistress in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mistress?
The Irish for mistress is máistreás (pronounced “MAWSH-tchraws”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is máistreásaí. Depending on context it can also mean schoolmistress or wife.
How do you pronounce máistreás in Irish?
Máistreás is said like “MAWSH-tchraws” (IPA /ˈmˠɑːʃtʲɾʲɑːsˠ/).
What is the plural of mistress in Irish?
The plural of máistreás is máistreásaí; with the article, na máistreásaí means “the mistresses”. The genitive plural is máistreásaí, as in cruinniú na máistreásaí (the meeting of the mistresses).
Does máistreás have more than one meaning?
Yes. Máistreás can mean mistress, schoolmistress or wife, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does máistreás change to mháistreás?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mháistreás. After ár (our) it stays ár máistreás, because m does not take eclipsis.
Does 'máistreás' mean mistress in the sense of a lover?
Not usually: 'máistreás' is a woman in authority or a teacher; for a lover, words like 'leannán' are used.
What is the male equivalent of 'máistreás'?
The male equivalent is 'máistir', as in 'máistir scoile' (schoolmaster) beside 'máistreás scoile' (schoolmistress).
