HeyRuaHow to say “scales” in Irish
- Irish:
- meá
- English:
- scales, weighing, balance
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- meáigh, to weigh (ag meá, weighing)
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mya” /mʲaː/
- Plural:
- meánna (scales)
- Genitive singular:
- meá, na meá (e.g. ualach na meá, the load of the scales)
- Genitive plural:
- meánna, na meánna (e.g. díoltóir na meánna, the seller of scales)
What does “meá” mean?
“Meá” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- scales
- A device for weighing things, a pair of scales or balance.Also: balance, weighing scales, weighing machine.
2 other meanings: weighing or balance
- 2weighing
- The act of weighing something; the verbal noun of the verb meáigh.Also: weighing up, weight.
- 3balance
- Balance or judgement, as when things are weighed against each other.Also: judgement, consideration.
“Meá” as a verbal noun
After ag, meá means weighing: it is the verbal noun of the verb meáigh (to weigh). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Meá” with the article
The plural of scales in Irish is meánna. Here is meá after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Meá” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meá, the Irish word for scales.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Scales in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for scales?
The Irish for scales is meá (pronounced “mya”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is meánna. Depending on context it can also mean weighing or balance.
How do you pronounce meá in Irish?
Meá is said like “mya” (IPA /mʲaː/).
What is the plural of scales in Irish?
The plural of meá is meánna; with the article, na meánna means “the scales”. The genitive plural is meánna, as in díoltóir na meánna (the seller of scales).
Does meá have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meá can mean scales, weighing or balance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meá change to mheá?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheá. After ár (our) it stays ár meá, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between meá and meáchan?
Meá is the scales or the act of weighing, while meáchan is the weight itself: cuir ar an meá é chun a mheáchan a fháil.
How do I say something is in the balance?
Use sa mheá: tá an cluiche sa mheá means the game is in the balance.
