Cleanliness in Irish (Glaineacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for cleanliness?

The Irish for cleanliness is glaineacht (pronounced “GLAN-yukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean purity or clearness.

Q: Does glaineacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glaineacht can mean cleanliness, purity or clearness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cleanliness” in Irish

Irish:: glaineacht
English:: cleanliness, purity, clearness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “GLAN-yukht” /ˈɡlanʲəxt/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: glaineachta, na glaineachta (e.g. caighdeán glaineachta, standard of cleanliness)

What does “glaineacht” mean?

“Glaineacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cleanliness: The state or quality of being clean.Also: cleanness, hygiene.

2 other meanings: purity or clearness

2purity: The quality of being pure, unmixed or morally clean.Also: chastity, innocence.
3clearness: The quality of being clear, as of water, glass, sound or expression.Also: clarity, transparency.

Other Irish words for cleanliness: glaine (cleanness), glanachar (cleanliness), glantachas (cleanliness)

“Glaineacht” with the article

Here is glaineacht after the article (an t-alt).

an ghlaineacht

the cleanliness

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Glaineacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using glaineacht, the Irish word for cleanliness.

Cuireann siad béim mhór ar an nglaineacht.

They put great emphasis on cleanliness.

Tá glaineacht an-tábhachtach i gcistin.

Cleanliness is very important in a kitchen.

Bhí iontas orm faoi ghlaineacht an tí.

I was amazed at how clean the house was.

Chuir glaineacht an uisce iontas orainn.

The clearness of the water surprised us.

Rinne an cigire seiceáil ar ghlaineacht na hoifige.

The inspector checked the cleanliness of the office.

Tá cáil ar an óstán as a ghlaineacht.

The hotel is famous for its cleanliness.

Bhí glaineacht ina glór nuair a chan sí.

There was a clarity in her voice when she sang.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Cleanliness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cleanliness?

The Irish for cleanliness is glaineacht (pronounced “GLAN-yukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean purity or clearness.

How do you pronounce glaineacht in Irish?

Glaineacht is said like “GLAN-yukht” (IPA /ˈɡlanʲəxt/).

Does glaineacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for glaineacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does glaineacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glaineacht can mean cleanliness, purity or clearness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does glaineacht change to ghlaineacht or nglaineacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) glaineacht becomes mo ghlaineacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nglaineacht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between glaineacht and glanadh?

Glaineacht is the state of being clean, while glanadh is the act of cleaning, the verbal noun of glan.

How do I say 'cleanliness is next to godliness' in Irish?

The proverb is 'Is den ghlóir an ghlaineacht'.

Cleanliness in Irish (Glaineacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage