HeyRuaHow to say “baby” in Irish
- Irish:
- babaí
- English:
- baby
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BAB-ee” /ˈbˠabˠiː/
- Plural:
- babaithe (babies)
- Genitive singular:
- babaí, an bhabaí (e.g. cóta an bhabaí, the baby's coat)
- Genitive plural:
- babaithe, na mbabaithe (e.g. éadaí babaithe, baby clothes)
What does “babaí” mean?
- baby
- A very young child, especially one who cannot yet walk or talk.Also: infant, newborn, babe.
Other Irish words for baby: leanbh (child), naíonán (infant), bunóc (infant), leanbán (little child)
“Babaí” with the article
The plural of baby in Irish is babaithe. Here is babaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Babaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using babaí, the Irish word for baby.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Baby in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for baby?
The Irish for baby is babaí (pronounced “BAB-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is babaithe.
How do you pronounce babaí in Irish?
Babaí is said like “BAB-ee” (IPA /ˈbˠabˠiː/).
What is the plural of baby in Irish?
The plural of babaí is babaithe; with the article, na babaithe means “the babies”. The genitive plural is babaithe, as in éadaí babaithe (baby clothes).
Why does babaí change to bhabaí or mbabaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) babaí becomes mo bhabaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbabaí (eclipsis).
What is the difference between babaí, leanbh and naíonán?
Babaí is the everyday word for a baby; naíonán is more formal for an infant, and leanbh means a child more generally, though it is also used for a baby.
