HeyRuaHow to say “reflection” in Irish
- Irish:
- machnamh
- English:
- reflection, meditation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- machnaigh, to reflect (ag machnamh, reflecting)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAKH-nuv” /ˈmˠaxn̪ˠəvˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- machnaimh, an mhachnaimh (e.g. ábhar machnaimh, food for thought)
What does “machnamh” mean?
“Machnamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- reflection
- The act of thinking carefully and deeply about something; the verbal noun of the verb machnaigh.Also: thinking, consideration, pondering, thought.
1 other meaning: meditation
- 2meditation
- Quiet, deep contemplation, often of a spiritual or religious kind.Also: contemplation, musing.
Other Irish words for reflection: smaointeoireacht (thinking)
“Machnamh” as a verbal noun
After ag, machnamh means reflecting: it is the verbal noun of the verb machnaigh (to reflect). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Machnamh” with the article
Here is machnamh after the article (an t-alt).
“Machnamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using machnamh, the Irish word for reflection.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Reflection in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for reflection?
The Irish for reflection is machnamh (pronounced “MAKH-nuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean meditation.
How do you pronounce machnamh in Irish?
Machnamh is said like “MAKH-nuv” (IPA /ˈmˠaxn̪ˠəvˠ/).
Does machnamh have a plural?
No plural form is given for machnamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does machnamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Machnamh can mean reflection or meditation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does machnamh change to mhachnamh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhachnamh. After ár (our) it stays ár machnamh, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between machnamh and smaoineamh?
Smaoineamh is the general word for thinking or a thought, while machnamh suggests deeper, more deliberate reflection or contemplation.
How do I say 'to think something over'?
Use déan machnamh ar: Déanfaidh mé machnamh air, I'll think it over.
