HeyRuaHow to say “upper back” in Irish
- Irish:
- muin
- English:
- upper back, top
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “mwin” /mˠɪnʲ/
- Plural:
- muiní (upper backs)
- Genitive singular:
- muine, na muine (e.g. cnámha na muine, the bones of the upper back)
- Genitive plural:
- muiní, na muiní (e.g. cnámha na muiní, the bones of the upper backs)
What does “muin” mean?
“Muin” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- upper back
- The top part of the back, between the shoulders, where a load is carried.Also: back, shoulders.
1 other meaning: top
- 2top
- The top or upper surface of something, used mainly in the phrase 'ar mhuin' meaning on top of or on the back of.Also: on top of, on the back of.
“Muin” with the article
The plural of upper back in Irish is muiní. Here is muin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Muin” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using muin, the Irish word for upper back.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Upper back in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for upper back?
The Irish for upper back is muin (pronounced “mwin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is muiní. Depending on context it can also mean top.
How do you pronounce muin in Irish?
Muin is said like “mwin” (IPA /mˠɪnʲ/).
What is the plural of upper back in Irish?
The plural of muin is muiní; with the article, na muiní means “the upper backs”. The genitive plural is muiní, as in cnámha na muiní (the bones of the upper backs).
Does muin have more than one meaning?
Yes. Muin can mean upper back or top, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does muin change to mhuin?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhuin. After ár (our) it stays ár muin, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is 'muin' usually used?
It is mostly found in the phrase 'ar mhuin', as in 'ar mhuin capaill' (on horseback) or 'ar mhuin a chéile' (on top of each other).
What is the difference between 'muin' and 'droim'?
'Droim' is the general word for back, while 'muin' refers to the upper back as the place where something is carried.
