HeyRuaHow to say “motto” in Irish
- Irish:
- mana
- English:
- motto, portent, attitude
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAN-uh” /ˈmˠanˠə/
- Plural:
- manaí (mottos)
- Genitive singular:
- mana, an mhana (e.g. brí an mhana, the meaning of the motto)
- Genitive plural:
- manaí, na manaí (e.g. brí na manaí, the meaning of the mottoes)
What does “mana” mean?
“Mana” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- motto
- A short phrase that expresses the guiding principle of a person, family or organisation.Also: slogan, watchword, maxim.
2 other meanings: portent or attitude
- 2portent
- A sign or omen of something that is going to happen.Also: omen, sign, augury.
- 3attitude
- A person's outlook or way of regarding something.Also: outlook, disposition.
“Mana” with the article
The plural of motto in Irish is manaí. Here is mana after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mana” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mana, the Irish word for motto.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Motto in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for motto?
The Irish for motto is mana (pronounced “MAN-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is manaí. Depending on context it can also mean portent or attitude.
How do you pronounce mana in Irish?
Mana is said like “MAN-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠanˠə/).
What is the plural of motto in Irish?
The plural of mana is manaí; with the article, na manaí means “the mottos”. The genitive plural is manaí, as in brí na manaí (the meaning of the mottoes).
Does mana have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mana can mean motto, portent or attitude, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mana change to mhana?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhana. After ár (our) it stays ár mana, because m does not take eclipsis.
Can 'mana' mean an omen as well as a motto?
Yes, 'mana' can mean a sign or portent, especially in 'drochmhana' (bad omen), though today it is most often used for a motto.
