HeyRuaHow to say “respect” in Irish
- Irish:
- meas
- English:
- respect, opinion, estimation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- meas, to think (ag meas, thinking)
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mass” /mʲasˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- measa, an mheasa (e.g. easpa measa, lack of respect)
What does “meas” mean?
“Meas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- respect
- A feeling of esteem or high regard for someone or something.Also: esteem, regard, admiration.
2 other meanings: opinion or estimation
- 2opinion
- What someone thinks or judges about something; an estimate or evaluation.Also: estimate, judgement, evaluation, assessment.
- 3estimation
- The verbal noun of the verb 'meas', the act of estimating, judging or valuing.Also: estimating, valuing, judging.
Other Irish words for respect: ómós (respect), onóir (honour), urraim (respect)
“Meas” as a verbal noun
After ag, meas means thinking: it is the verbal noun of the verb meas (to think). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Meas” with the article
Here is meas after the article (an t-alt).
“Meas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meas, the Irish word for respect.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Respect in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for respect?
The Irish for respect is meas (pronounced “mass”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean opinion or estimation.
How do you pronounce meas in Irish?
Meas is said like “mass” (IPA /mʲasˠ/).
Does meas have a plural?
No plural form is given for meas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does meas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meas can mean respect, opinion or estimation, depending on context; the first is the most common. Meas also has its own entry as a verb meaning to think.
Why does meas change to mheas?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheas. After ár (our) it stays ár meas, because m does not take eclipsis.
How do I say I respect someone?
Use 'tá meas agam ar', for example 'Tá meas agam ar mo mháthair', I respect my mother.
Is 'meas' the same as the fruit word 'meas'?
No, a separate word 'meas' means mast or nuts and acorns on trees; this entry covers respect and estimation.
