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Decency in Irish (Gnaíúlacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘gnaíúlacht’ also means: generosity

The Irish for decency is gnaíúlacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “decency” in Irish

Irish:
gnaíúlacht
English:
decency, generosity
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“gnee-OO-lukht”  /ɡn̪ˠiːˈuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gnaíúlachta, na gnaíúlachta (e.g. mórchroí na gnaíúlachta, the generosity of decency)

What does “gnaíúlacht” mean?

“Gnaíúlacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

decency
The quality of being decent, fair and kind in how you treat people.Also: kindness, fairness, good nature.
1 other meaning: generosity
2generosity
Openhanded willingness to give or share with others.Also: liberality, openhandedness.

“Gnaíúlacht” with the article

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

an ghnaíúlacht
the decency
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gnaíúlacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gnaíúlacht, the Irish word for decency.

Bhí gnaíúlacht ar leith ag baint léi.
She had a special decency about her.
Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar a ghnaíúlacht choíche.
I will never forget his kindness.
Is í an ghnaíúlacht an tréith is fearr ann.
Decency is his best quality.
Rinne sé é as gnaíúlacht amháin.
He did it purely out of decency.
Ba bhreá liom níos mó gnaíúlachta sa saol.
I would love more decency in the world.
Thaispeáin na comharsana gnaíúlacht mhór dúinn.
The neighbours showed us great kindness.
Tá gnaíúlacht i muintir na háite seo.
The people of this place are decent and kind.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Decency in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for decency?

The Irish for decency is gnaíúlacht (pronounced “gnee-OO-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean generosity.

How do you pronounce gnaíúlacht in Irish?

Gnaíúlacht is said like “gnee-OO-lukht” (IPA /ɡn̪ˠiːˈuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does gnaíúlacht have a plural?

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

Does gnaíúlacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gnaíúlacht can mean decency or generosity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gnaíúlacht change to ghnaíúlacht or ngnaíúlacht?

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

How is gnaíúlacht related to gnaíúil?

Gnaíúlacht is the abstract noun from the adjective gnaíúil, 'decent, kind, generous', so duine gnaíúil is a person showing gnaíúlacht.

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