Cleanness in Irish (Glaine): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cleanness?

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

Q: Does glaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glaine can mean cleanness, purity, clearness or fineness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cleanness” in Irish

Irish:: glaine
English:: cleanness, purity, clearness, fineness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GLAN-yeh” /ˈɡlˠanʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: glaine, na glaine (e.g. leibhéal na glaine, level of cleanliness)

What does “glaine” mean?

“Glaine” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cleanness: The state of being clean, free from dirt.Also: cleanliness, clean.

3 other meanings: purity or clearness or fineness

2purity: The quality of being pure, morally or physically unmixed.Also: pureness, innocence.
3clearness: The quality of being clear, as of water, air, sound or speech.Also: clarity, clear.
4fineness: The proportion of pure precious metal in an alloy.Also: purity of metal.

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

“Glaine” with the article

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

an ghlaine

the cleanness

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Glaine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using glaine, the Irish word for cleanness.

Is maith liom glaine an tí.

I like how clean the house is.

Bhí glaine an uisce iontach.

The clearness of the water was amazing.

Tá an ghlaine tábhachtach in ospidéal.

Cleanliness is important in a hospital.

Chuir glaine a gutha iontas orm.

The clarity of her voice surprised me.

Labhair sé faoi ghlaine an chroí.

He spoke about purity of heart.

Rinne siad seiceáil ar ghlaine na cistine.

They checked the cleanliness of the kitchen.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

armarmy leathanachpage aisback dátadate comhaltamember cluasear

Cleanness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cleanness?

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

How do you pronounce glaine in Irish?

Glaine is said like “GLAN-yeh” (IPA /ˈɡlˠanʲə/).

Does glaine have a plural?

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

Does glaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glaine can mean cleanness, purity, clearness or fineness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does glaine change to ghlaine or nglaine?

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

How is 'glaine' related to 'glan'?

'Glaine' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'glan' (clean, clear), and it also serves as its comparative: 'níos glaine' means cleaner.

Cleanness in Irish (Glaine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage