HeyRuaHow to say “pen” in Irish
- Irish:
- mainnear
- English:
- pen, enclosure
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “MAN-yer” /ˈmˠanʲəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- mainnreacha (pens)
- Genitive singular:
- mainnre, na mainnre (e.g. geata na mainnre, the gate of the pen)
- Genitive plural:
- mainnreacha, na mainnreacha (e.g. ag tógáil mainnreacha, building pens)
What does “mainnear” mean?
“Mainnear” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pen
- An enclosure where animals such as sheep or cattle are kept.Also: fold, sheepfold, pound.
“Mainnear” with the article
The plural of pen in Irish is mainnreacha. Here is mainnear after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mainnear” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mainnear, the Irish word for pen.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pen in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pen?
The Irish for pen is mainnear (pronounced “MAN-yer”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is mainnreacha. Depending on context it can also mean enclosure.
How do you pronounce mainnear in Irish?
Mainnear is said like “MAN-yer” (IPA /ˈmˠanʲəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of pen in Irish?
The plural of mainnear is mainnreacha; with the article, na mainnreacha means “the pens”. The genitive plural is mainnreacha, as in ag tógáil mainnreacha (building pens).
Does mainnear have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mainnear can mean pen or enclosure, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mainnear change to mhainnear?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhainnear. After ár (our) it stays ár mainnear, because m does not take eclipsis.
How does 'mainnear' differ from 'cró'?
'Mainnear' is an open enclosure or pen for animals, while 'cró' usually means a small shed or hut, such as 'cró na gcearc', the hen house.
