Oath in Irish (Mionn): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for oath?

The Irish for oath is mionn (pronounced “myoon”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mionnaí. Depending on context it can also mean curse or diadem.

Q: What is the plural of oath in Irish?

The plural of mionn is mionnaí; with the article, na mionnaí means “the oaths”. The genitive plural is mionn, as in briseadh na mionn (the breaking of the oaths).

Q: Does mionn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mionn can mean oath, curse or diadem, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “oath” in Irish

Irish:: mionn
English:: oath, curse, diadem
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “myoon” /mʲuːn̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: mionnaí (oaths)
Genitive singular:: mionna, an mhionna (e.g. faoi bhrí an mhionna, under oath)
Genitive plural:: mionn, na mionn (e.g. briseadh na mionn, the breaking of the oaths)

What does “mionn” mean?

“Mionn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

oath: A solemn promise or statement, often made formally before a court or calling on God as witness.Also: vow, sworn statement, pledge.

2 other meanings: curse or diadem

2curse: A swear word or profanity, usually in the phrase 'mionn mór'.Also: swear word, oath, profanity.
3diadem: In older literature, a crown or diadem, or a venerated relic sworn upon.Also: crown, relic, halidom.

“Mionn” with the article

The plural of oath in Irish is mionnaí. Here is mionn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mionn

the oath

No change after an

na mionnaí

the oaths

Plural: no change after na

“Mionn” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mionn, the Irish word for oath.

Thug sé mionn go raibh sé ag an mbaile.

He swore an oath that he was at home.

Bhí an finné faoi mhionn sa chúirt.

The witness was under oath in court.

Ná bí ag caitheamh mionnaí móra os comhair na bpáistí.

Don't be cursing in front of the children.

Bhris sí an mionn a thug sí dá hathair.

She broke the oath she gave her father.

Thug sí fianaise faoi mhionn.

She gave evidence under oath.

Chuir an breitheamh faoi mhionn é.

The judge put him under oath.

Cuireadh i leith é gur thug sé mionn éithigh.

He was accused of committing perjury.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

conradhcontract bonnsole oifigoffice toradhfruit domhanworld cineálkind

Oath in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for oath?

The Irish for oath is mionn (pronounced “myoon”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mionnaí. Depending on context it can also mean curse or diadem.

How do you pronounce mionn in Irish?

Mionn is said like “myoon” (IPA /mʲuːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of oath in Irish?

The plural of mionn is mionnaí; with the article, na mionnaí means “the oaths”. The genitive plural is mionn, as in briseadh na mionn (the breaking of the oaths).

Does mionn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mionn can mean oath, curse or diadem, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mionn change to mhionn?

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

What is the difference between 'mionn' and 'móid'?

'Mionn' is an oath sworn as a statement of truth, for example in court, while 'móid' is a vow, such as a religious or marriage vow.

How do I say 'to curse' or 'to swear' using 'mionn'?

Say 'mionnaí móra a chaitheamh' or 'mionnaí móra a stróiceadh', meaning to use swear words.

Oath in Irish (Mionn): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage