misneach
/mʲɪʃˈnʲax/
The Irish word for courage is misneach.
misneach is a noun referring to the ability to do frightening things.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, the term gaiscíocht might be used to convey the notion of courage.
How do you pronounce it?
/mʲɪʃˈnʲax/
Did you know?
- In some dialects, a person who lacks misneach might be described using a term for 'cowardice' that literally translates to 'being like a rabbit'.
- The word misneach is often paired with the verb a chur, meaning 'to put'. To encourage someone is literally 'to put courage' into them.
- While misneach refers to inner strength, uabhar can describe a type of 'courage' that borders on arrogance or overconfidence.
Examples in context
- Tá sé tábhachtach an misneach a léiriú i gcónaí.It is important to always show courage.
- Níl ach an misneach ag teastáil uait chun é a dhéanamh.You only need the courage to do it.
- Ba chóir dúinn misneach a léiriú.We should show courage.
Example conversation
Saoirse and Oisín are about to go bungee jumping.
- SaoirseAn bhfuil eagla ort, a Oisín?Are you afraid, Oisín?
- OisínTá, ach tá misneach uaimYes, but I have courage.
- SaoirseTá mé an-bhéagán scanraithe mé féinI am a little scared myself.
- OisínBeidh misneach agat, a SaoirseYou will have courage, Saoirse.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry misneach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
