Smoothness in Irish (Míne): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for smoothness?

The Irish for smoothness is míne (pronounced “MEE-nyeh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gentleness.

Q: Does míne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Míne can mean smoothness or gentleness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “smoothness” in Irish

Irish:: míne
English:: smoothness, gentleness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “MEE-nyeh” /ˈmʲiːnʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: míne, na míne (e.g. méid na míne, the degree of smoothness)

What does “míne” mean?

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

smoothness: The quality of being smooth or fine in texture.Also: fineness, softness.

1 other meaning: gentleness

2gentleness: The quality of being mild, gentle or calm in manner.Also: mildness, calmness, tenderness.

“Míne” with the article

Here is míne after the article (an t-alt).

an mhíne

the smoothness

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Míne” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using míne, the Irish word for smoothness.

Thaitin míne an éadaigh liom.

I liked the smoothness of the cloth.

Labhair sí leis le míne mhór.

She spoke to him very gently.

Tá míne iontach ina craiceann.

Her skin is wonderfully smooth.

Is í an mhíne a bhuaigh air sa deireadh.

It was gentleness that won him over in the end.

Mhothaigh mé míne an tsíoda faoi mo lámh.

I felt the smoothness of the silk under my hand.

Bhí míne ina ghlór nach raibh ann roimhe.

There was a gentleness in his voice that wasn't there before.

Braitheann blas an aráin ar mhíne na plúire.

The bread's flavour depends on the fineness of the flour.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

beirttwo people comhlachtcompany meánmiddle cúirtcourt cúrsacourse talamhground

Smoothness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for smoothness?

The Irish for smoothness is míne (pronounced “MEE-nyeh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gentleness.

How do you pronounce míne in Irish?

Míne is said like “MEE-nyeh” (IPA /ˈmʲiːnʲə/).

Does míne have a plural?

No plural form is given for míne in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does míne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Míne can mean smoothness or gentleness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does míne change to mhíne?

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

How is 'míne' related to 'mín'?

'Míne' is the abstract noun formed from the adjective 'mín' (smooth, gentle), just as 'boige' comes from 'bog'. It also serves as the comparative form: 'níos míne' means smoother.

Is 'míne' the same as 'min' (meal)?

No, 'min' with a short i means meal or ground grain, as in 'min choirce' (oatmeal), while 'míne' means smoothness or gentleness.

Smoothness in Irish (Míne): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage