Numbness in Irish (Mairbhe): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for numbness?

The Irish for numbness is mairbhe (pronounced “MAR-iv-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean lethargy.

Q: Does mairbhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mairbhe can mean numbness or lethargy, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “numbness” in Irish

Irish:: mairbhe
English:: numbness, lethargy
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “MAR-iv-uh” /ˈmˠaɾʲəvʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mairbhe, na mairbhe (e.g. mothú na mairbhe, the feeling of numbness)

What does “mairbhe” mean?

“Mairbhe” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

numbness: A loss of feeling in part of the body, or a deadness or dullness of the body or mind.Also: deadness, torpor, lifelessness, sluggishness.

1 other meaning: lethargy

2lethargy: A lack of energy or liveliness, a state of being dull or listless.Also: listlessness, dullness, inertia.

“Mairbhe” with the article

Here is mairbhe after the article (an t-alt).

an mhairbhe

the numbness

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Mairbhe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mairbhe, the Irish word for numbness.

Bhí mairbhe i mo chos tar éis an turais.

My leg was numb after the journey.

Tháinig mairbhe ar mo lámha leis an bhfuacht.

My hands went numb with the cold.

D'imigh an mhairbhe as mo mhéara ar ball.

The numbness left my fingers after a while.

Bhí mairbhe ar an mbaile i rith an gheimhridh.

The town was lifeless during the winter.

Níor éirigh liom an mhairbhe a chroitheadh díom.

I couldn't shake off the lethargy.

Bhraith sí mairbhe ina béal tar éis an fhiaclóra.

She felt numbness in her mouth after the dentist.

Is comhartha tinnis é mairbhe sa lámh uaireanta.

Numbness in the arm is sometimes a sign of illness.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

téacstext glúingeneration glúinknee earnáilsector maithegood gruaighair

Numbness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for numbness?

The Irish for numbness is mairbhe (pronounced “MAR-iv-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean lethargy.

How do you pronounce mairbhe in Irish?

Mairbhe is said like “MAR-iv-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾʲəvʲə/).

Does mairbhe have a plural?

No plural form is given for mairbhe in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does mairbhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mairbhe can mean numbness or lethargy, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mairbhe change to mhairbhe?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhairbhe. After ár (our) it stays ár mairbhe, because m does not take eclipsis.

How do I say my foot has gone numb or asleep?

You can say 'tá mairbhe i mo chos', though 'tá codladh grifín i mo chos' is the everyday way to describe pins and needles.

Numbness in Irish (Mairbhe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage