HeyRuaHow to say “softening” in Irish
- Irish:
- maothú
- English:
- softening, moistening, emotional moving
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- maothaigh, to soften (ag maothú, softening)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “MWEE-hoo” /ˈmˠiːhuː/
- Genitive singular:
- maothaithe, an mhaothaithe (e.g. am maothaithe na feola, time for tenderising the meat)
What does “maothú” mean?
“Maothú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- softening
- The act of making something soft or tender; verbal noun of the verb maothaigh.Also: moistening, tenderising, mellowing.
2 other meanings: moistening or emotional moving
- 2moistening
- The act of making something damp or wet, such as soaking or steeping; part of the verbal noun of maothaigh.Also: soaking, steeping, dampening.
- 3emotional moving
- The act of touching someone's feelings or making them tender-hearted; part of the verbal noun of maothaigh.Also: moving, touching, softening of heart.
“Maothú” as a verbal noun
After ag, maothú means softening: it is the verbal noun of the verb maothaigh (to soften). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Maothú” with the article
Here is maothú after the article (an t-alt).
“Maothú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maothú, the Irish word for softening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Softening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for softening?
The Irish for softening is maothú (pronounced “MWEE-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean moistening or emotional moving.
How do you pronounce maothú in Irish?
Maothú is said like “MWEE-hoo” (IPA /ˈmˠiːhuː/).
Does maothú have a plural?
No plural form is given for maothú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does maothú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maothú can mean softening, moistening or emotional moving, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maothú change to mhaothú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaothú. After ár (our) it stays ár maothú, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is maothú different from bogadh?
Bogadh is the everyday word for softening or loosening, while maothú stresses making something tender or moist, as in cuir ar maothú, put to soak.
