HeyRuaHow to say “slowness” in Irish
- Irish:
- moille
- English:
- slowness, delay
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MWIL-uh” /ˈmˠɪlʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- moille, na moille (e.g. cúis na moille, the reason for the slowness)
What does “moille” mean?
“Moille” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- slowness
- The quality of being slow in movement or action.Also: tardiness, sluggishness.
1 other meaning: delay
- 2delay
- The fact of something happening later than expected or being held up.Also: lateness, hold-up.
“Moille” with the article
Here is moille after the article (an t-alt).
“Moille” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using moille, the Irish word for slowness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “moille”
Slowness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for slowness?
The Irish for slowness is moille (pronounced “MWIL-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean delay.
How do you pronounce moille in Irish?
Moille is said like “MWIL-uh” (IPA /ˈmˠɪlʲə/).
Does moille have a plural?
No plural form is given for moille in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does moille have more than one meaning?
Yes. Moille can mean slowness or delay, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does moille change to mhoille?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhoille. After ár (our) it stays ár moille, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'moille' and 'moill'?
Both can mean delay, but 'moill' is the more usual everyday word for a delay, as in 'gan mhoill' (without delay), while 'moille' mainly means slowness, linked to the adjective 'mall'. Note that 'moille' is also the genitive of 'moill' and the comparative of 'mall'.
