músaem
masculine
The Irish word for museum is músaem. Wiktionary also lists iarsmalann.
Meaning: building or institution (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| músaem | masculine | |
| iarsmalann | /ˈiəɾˠsˠmˠəlˠən̪ˠ/ | feminine |
The word refers to a building or institution.
Which one should you use?
While músaem is a common loanword, iarsmalann is a more formal or traditional Irish term for a museum.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gaeltacht areas, the phrase teach seanchais translates to "house of heritage".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the masculine form músaem with the definite article, it takes the article an. When using the feminine form iarsmalann with the definite article, it also takes the article an.
Did you know?
- The term teach seanchais is particularly evocative in Gaeltacht areas, where the emphasis is often on the 'seanchai' or traditional storyteller.
- The word músaem is a direct linguistic relative of the English 'museum', as both trace their lineage back to the Ancient Greek word for a shrine of the Muses.
- The word iarsmalann uses the suffix -lann, a common element in words denoting a professional place or workshop.
Examples in context
- Tá an músaem dúnta anois.The museum is closed now.This sentence shows how to state that the músaem is currently closed.Tatoeba #10926463 by janTuki, translation #44492 by CK
- An bhfuil músaem ar an mbóthar seo?Is there a museum on this road?
Example conversation
Niamh and Cathal are deciding where to go in the city.
- NiamhAn bhfuil tú ag iarraidh an músaem a fheicéis?Do you want to see the museum?
- CathalBa mhaith liom, Niamh.I would like that, Niamh.
- NiamhTá an músaem ansin ar an tsráid.The museum is there on the street.
- CathalTúsigh an turas ansin, Cathal.Start the tour there, Cathal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “museum” translations and entries músaem, iarsmalann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iarsmalann, músaem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
