HeyRuaHow to say “playfulness” in Irish
- Irish:
- macnas
- English:
- playfulness, luxuriance, wantonness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAHK-nus” /ˈmˠakˠnˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- macnais, an mhacnais (e.g. lá macnais, a day of fun)
What does “macnas” mean?
“Macnas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- playfulness
- Lively, frisky, high-spirited behaviour, as of young animals or children.Also: friskiness, high spirits, sportiveness, frolic.
2 other meanings: luxuriance or wantonness
- 2luxuriance
- Rich, abundant growth, as of crops or vegetation.Also: lushness, rich growth.
- 3wantonness
- Unrestrained or sensual behaviour; lust or lasciviousness.Also: lasciviousness, lust.
“Macnas” with the article
Here is macnas after the article (an t-alt).
“Macnas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using macnas, the Irish word for playfulness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Playfulness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for playfulness?
The Irish for playfulness is macnas (pronounced “MAHK-nus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean luxuriance or wantonness.
How do you pronounce macnas in Irish?
Macnas is said like “MAHK-nus” (IPA /ˈmˠakˠnˠəsˠ/).
Does macnas have a plural?
No plural form is given for macnas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does macnas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Macnas can mean playfulness, luxuriance or wantonness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does macnas change to mhacnas?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhacnas. After ár (our) it stays ár macnas, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'macnas' connected to 'mac', son?
It is often associated with youthfulness, but in use 'macnas' simply means playfulness or high spirits, as in 'macnas óige', youthful high spirits.
How is 'macnas' different from 'spraoi'?
'Spraoi' is the everyday word for fun, while 'macnas' stresses frisky, exuberant behaviour and can also mean lush growth or wantonness.
