Smile in Irish (Miongháire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for smile?

The Irish for smile is miongháire (pronounced “MIN-gaw-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is miongháirí. Depending on context it can also mean soft chuckle.

Q: What is the plural of smile in Irish?

The plural of miongháire is miongháirí; with the article, na miongháirí means “the smiles”. The genitive plural is miongháirí, as in cuimhne na miongháirí (the memory of the smiles).

Q: Does miongháire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Miongháire can mean smile or soft chuckle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “smile” in Irish

Irish:: miongháire
English:: smile, soft chuckle
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “MIN-gaw-ruh” /ˈmʲɪnˠɣaːɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: miongháirí (smiles)
Genitive singular:: miongháire, an mhiongháire (e.g. leathadh an mhiongháire, the spread of the smile)
Genitive plural:: miongháirí, na miongháirí (e.g. cuimhne na miongháirí, the memory of the smiles)

What does “miongháire” mean?

“Miongháire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

smile: A pleased or amused expression made by turning up the corners of the mouth.Also: grin, smirk.

1 other meaning: soft chuckle

2soft chuckle: A quiet, gentle laugh.Also: chuckle, soft laugh, titter.

Other Irish words for smile: meangadh (smile), aoibh (pleasant expression)

“Miongháire” with the article

The plural of smile in Irish is miongháirí. Here is miongháire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an miongháire

the smile

No change after an

na miongháirí

the smiles

Plural: no change after na

“Miongháire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using miongháire, the Irish word for smile.

Rinne sí miongháire liom.

She smiled at me.

Tá miongháire álainn ar an leanbh.

The baby has a lovely smile.

Bhí miongháire ar a aghaidh i gcónaí.

He always had a smile on his face.

Níor fhéad mé mo mhiongháire a cheilt.

I couldn't hide my smile.

Chuir a scéal miongháire ar gach duine.

His story made everyone smile.

Labhair sé le miongháire beag.

He spoke with a little smile.

Thug sí miongháire mór dom.

She gave me a big smile.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Smile in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for smile?

The Irish for smile is miongháire (pronounced “MIN-gaw-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is miongháirí. Depending on context it can also mean soft chuckle.

How do you pronounce miongháire in Irish?

Miongháire is said like “MIN-gaw-ruh” (IPA /ˈmʲɪnˠɣaːɾʲə/).

What is the plural of smile in Irish?

The plural of miongháire is miongháirí; with the article, na miongháirí means “the smiles”. The genitive plural is miongháirí, as in cuimhne na miongháirí (the memory of the smiles).

Does miongháire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Miongháire can mean smile or soft chuckle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does miongháire change to mhiongháire?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhiongháire. After ár (our) it stays ár miongháire, because m does not take eclipsis.

How do I say 'to smile' in Irish?

Use the phrase 'déan miongháire', for example 'Rinne sé miongháire', 'He smiled'. 'Aoibh' is also used, as in 'Tháinig aoibh air'.

What is the difference between 'miongháire' and 'gáire'?

'Gáire' is a laugh, while 'miongháire' (literally a small laugh) is a smile or quiet chuckle.

Smile in Irish (Miongháire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage