HeyRuaHow to say “small talk” in Irish
- Irish:
- mionchaint
- English:
- small talk, tittle-tattle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MIN-khaint” /ˈmʲɪnˌxanʲtʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- mionchainte, na mionchainte (e.g. ábhar mionchainte, a topic of small talk)
What does “mionchaint” mean?
“Mionchaint” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- small talk
- Light, casual conversation about unimportant things.Also: chit-chat, chat, idle talk.
1 other meaning: tittle-tattle
- 2tittle-tattle
- Petty talk or gossip about trivial matters.Also: gossip, chatter.
Other Irish words for small talk: mionchomhrá (small talk)
“Mionchaint” with the article
Here is mionchaint after the article (an t-alt).
“Mionchaint” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mionchaint, the Irish word for small talk.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Small talk in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for small talk?
The Irish for small talk is mionchaint (pronounced “MIN-khaint”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean tittle-tattle.
How do you pronounce mionchaint in Irish?
Mionchaint is said like “MIN-khaint” (IPA /ˈmʲɪnˌxanʲtʲ/).
Does mionchaint have a plural?
No plural form is given for mionchaint in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does mionchaint have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mionchaint can mean small talk or tittle-tattle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mionchaint change to mhionchaint?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhionchaint. After ár (our) it stays ár mionchaint, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is 'mionchaint' different from 'cúlchaint'?
'Mionchaint' is light small talk or trivial chatter, while 'cúlchaint' is backbiting, talking about people behind their backs.
