HeyRuaHow to say “smile” in Irish
- Irish:
- meangadh
- English:
- smile
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “MANG-oo” /ˈmʲaŋɡə/
- Genitive singular:
- meangtha, an mheangtha (e.g. leathadh an mheangtha, the broadening of the smile)
What does “meangadh” mean?
- smile
- A pleased or amused expression made by turning up the corners of the mouth, often in the phrase 'meangadh gáire'.Also: grin, smirk.
Other Irish words for smile: miongháire (smile), aoibh (pleasant expression)
“Meangadh” with the article
Here is meangadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Meangadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meangadh, the Irish word for smile.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Smile in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for smile?
The Irish for smile is meangadh (pronounced “MANG-oo”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce meangadh in Irish?
Meangadh is said like “MANG-oo” (IPA /ˈmʲaŋɡə/).
Does meangadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for meangadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does meangadh change to mheangadh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheangadh. After ár (our) it stays ár meangadh, because m does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'to smile' in Irish?
Irish usually uses a phrase: 'tháinig meangadh gáire uirthi' (she smiled) or 'rinne sé meangadh gáire' (he smiled).
What is the difference between 'meangadh' and 'aoibh'?
Both can mean smile; 'aoibh' is more a pleasant expression or mood ('bhí aoibh air'), while 'meangadh gáire' is the smile itself.
