магтаал

Mongolian

Etymology

магтах (magtax, “to praise”) +‎ -аал (-aal).

Compare Kalmyk магтал (magtal) and Buryat магтаал (magtaal), found in Middle Mongol only as ᠮᠠᠭᠲᠠᠯ (maɣtal).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /maɡtʰaɮ/
• (Ulaanbaatar) IPA^(key): /maxˈtaɮ/

Noun

магтаал • (magtaal) (Mongolian spelling ᠮᠠᠭᠲᠠᠭᠠᠯ (maɣtaɣal), definite plural магтаалууд); (regular declension)

1. compliment, praise, adoration

   магтаал хүртэх ― magtaal xürtex ― to receive praise

2. A type of song or poem which praises its subject; an ode.

   Чингис хааны магтаал ― Čingis xaany magtaal ― Ode to Genghis Khan

Usage notes

• магтаал is a specific form of folk poetry given during certain religious festivals or in praise of competitors in sporting events.

See also

• ёрөөл (jorööl, “blessing, toast”)