HeyRuaHow to say “mother” in Irish
- Irish:
- máthair
- English:
- mother, source
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAW-hir” /ˈmˠɑːhəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- máithreacha (mothers)
- Genitive singular:
- máthar, na máthar (e.g. teach mo mháthar, my mother's house)
- Genitive plural:
- máithreacha, na máithreacha (e.g. Lá na Máithreacha, Mothers' Day)
What does “máthair” mean?
“Máthair” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mother
- A female parent of a child or animal.Also: mum, mom, mam, parent.
1 other meaning: source
- 2source
- The origin or source from which something comes, used figuratively.Also: origin, mother of.
“Máthair” with the article
The plural of mother in Irish is máithreacha. Here is máthair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Máthair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using máthair, the Irish word for mother.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mother in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mother?
The Irish for mother is máthair (pronounced “MAW-hir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is máithreacha. Depending on context it can also mean source.
How do you pronounce máthair in Irish?
Máthair is said like “MAW-hir” (IPA /ˈmˠɑːhəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of mother in Irish?
The plural of máthair is máithreacha; with the article, na máithreacha means “the mothers”. The genitive plural is máithreacha, as in Lá na Máithreacha (Mothers' Day).
Does máthair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Máthair can mean mother or source, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does máthair change to mháthair?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mháthair. After ár (our) it stays ár máthair, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the everyday word for 'mum' in Irish?
Children usually say 'mamaí' or 'mam', while 'máthair' is the general word for mother.
How do you say 'grandmother'?
Use 'seanmháthair', or regionally 'máthair chríonna' or 'máthair mhór'.
