maith
/mˠɑh/
The Irish word for good is maith.
The word maith is used as an adjective to describe something as pleasant or enjoyable. It can also be used as an exclamation on its own to mean "well done" or "good job".
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
While primarily an adjective, maith can function as an adverb meaning "well" in certain contexts, such as in the phrase maith go leor, which means "well enough" or "alright".
How do you pronounce it?
/mˠɑh/
Did you know?
- The word maith is a linguistic relative of the Welsh word mad and the Breton word mad.
- In some Irish dialects, maith go leor can be used sarcastically to mean 'that is quite enough' when someone is being annoying.
- In Old Irish, the root of maith was closely tied to the idea of 'fitness' or 'suitability' rather than just general pleasure.
Examples in context
- Is máthair maith thú.You are a good mother.This sentence shows how to use maith to describe a person.Tatoeba #5155038 by kemushi69, translation #4438756 by miren
- Tá smaoineamh maith agam.I've got a good idea.This sentence demonstrates using maith to describe an idea.Tatoeba #7805166 by eo_as, translation #66724 by CK
- Fuair sí oideachas maith.She has received a good education.This sentence illustrates using maith to describe an education.Tatoeba #11089265 by janTuki, translation #317407 by CK
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Cathal and Niamh are talking about a movie they just saw.
- CathalAn bhí an scannán sin maith?Was that movie good?
- NiamhBa é an scannán go raibh maith جداً.The movie was very good.
- CathalIs maith liom an t-aistear.I like the plot.
- NiamhTá sé sin maith, a Chathail.That is good, Cathal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maith, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maith, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
