HeyRuaHow to say “swab” in Irish
- Irish:
- maipín
- English:
- swab, small mop
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAP-een” /ˈmapʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- maipíní (swabs)
- Genitive singular:
- maipín, an mhaipín (e.g. barr an mhaipín, the tip of the swab)
- Genitive plural:
- maipíní, na maipíní (e.g. bosca na maipíní, the box of swabs)
What does “maipín” mean?
“Maipín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- swab
- A small pad of cotton or soft material used for cleaning or for taking a sample, especially in medicine.Also: cotton swab, pad, small mop.
1 other meaning: small mop
- 2small mop
- A little mop or wad of material used for wiping or soaking up liquid.Also: mop, sponge, wiper.
“Maipín” with the article
The plural of swab in Irish is maipíní. Here is maipín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Maipín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using maipín, the Irish word for swab.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Swab in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for swab?
The Irish for swab is maipín (pronounced “MAP-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is maipíní. Depending on context it can also mean small mop.
How do you pronounce maipín in Irish?
Maipín is said like “MAP-een” (IPA /ˈmapʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of swab in Irish?
The plural of maipín is maipíní; with the article, na maipíní means “the swabs”. The genitive plural is maipíní, as in bosca na maipíní (the box of swabs).
Does maipín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Maipín can mean swab or small mop, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does maipín change to mhaipín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaipín. After ár (our) it stays ár maipín, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is maipín related to mapa?
Maipín is a diminutive of mapa, 'mop', so it literally means a little mop; it is mostly used for a swab.
