IMAGE.ie columnist Naoise Ní Bhrion (or @YogaLeNaoise as you might know her) is a certified yoga teacher with a deep passion for both wellbeing and the Irish language, and in this series she brings those two loves together. Naoise believes that the words we choose, and the language we use, shape how we connect with ourselves and the world around us. In weaving yoga and Irish together, Naoise offers us a fresh perspective on what it means to feel grounded, whole and truly at home in ourselves.
Tar éis macnamh beag – after a little reflection, it is clear to me that Mí Márta – March was truly a month for the mná – women.
What began as a significant event, ‘Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan – International Women’s Day’, now stretches far beyond just a single day, with events and media campaigns highlighting gender equality and women’s achievements running throughout the whole month.
And then came Jessie Buckley, taking lár na stáitse – centre stage at the Oscars and amplifying this fuinneamh – energy even further. Not only did she make history and represent our tír bheag – little country on the biggest global stage, but her speeches leaned into themes of motherhood, mná ag tácú mná – women supporting women, female creativity and scéalaíocht – storytelling, all of which reinforced the wider cultural tone of the month.
It was a month that I, as a woman, felt both cumhachtaithe – empowered and lán l’ionspráid – inspired. So, as a passionate Gaeilgeoir who loves to share mo ghrá and knowledge of our teanga álainn – beautiful language, here are some of my favourite Irish words and phrases that capture women in all their essence, strength, agus spiorad – and spirit, that you might also enjoy.
Bean láidir: a strong woman
Bean misniúil: a courageous woman
Bean chliste: a clever/intelligent woman
Bean chineálta: a kind woman
Bean neamhspleách: an independent woman
Bean chruthaitheach: a creative woman
Bean fhíor: a true/authentic woman
Bean beomhar: a lively woman
Neart na mban: the strength of women
Tá croí mór aici: she has a big heart
Tá sí lán le fuinneamh: she is full of energy
Bean ag seasamh an fód: A woman who is standing her ground. Ceann dos na frásaí a b’fhearr liom – one of my favourite ones!
Creidim – I believe that language, like identity, holds power. And when we speak about mná, in any language, but especially in our own, we are not only describing them, but honouring them. Mí Márta may be over, but the fuinneamh, an misneach, agus an neart –the energy, courage and strength that we have seen and felt? Sin rud nach n-imíonn riamh – That’s something that will never fade.
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