HeyRuaHow to say “holy” in Irish
- Irish:
- naofa
- English:
- holy, sacred
- Word type:
- adjective
- Holier:
- níos naofa
- Holiest:
- is naofa
- Pronunciation:
- “NAY-fa” /ˈn̪ˠeːfˠə/
What does “naofa” mean?
“Naofa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- holy
- Belonging to God or connected with religion and worthy of deep respect.Also: sacred, sanctified, saintly, blessed.
1 other meaning: sacred
- 2sacred
- Treated with great reverence and not to be violated.Also: hallowed, venerated.
Other Irish adjectives for holy: beannaithe (blessed), naomh (holy)
“Naofa” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is naofa after tobar (well, masculine), after oíche (night, feminine) and after a plural.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, naofa.
Holier, holiest, very holy
Bhí sí níos naofa ná aon duine eile sa pharóiste. She was holier than anyone else in the parish.
| holier | níos naofa | in the past tense: ní ba naofa |
|---|---|---|
| holiest | is naofa | in the past tense: ba naofa |
| as holy as | chomh naofa le | no change after chomh |
| very holy | an-naofa | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too holy | rónaofa | ró- lenites |
“Naofa” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Holy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for holy?
The Irish for holy is naofa (pronounced “NAY-fa”). It comes after the noun: tobar naofa, a holy well; oíche naofa, a holy night.
How do you say holier and holiest in Irish?
níos naofa is holier and is naofa is holiest. In the past tense they become ní ba naofa and ba naofa.
How do you say very holy in Irish?
an-naofa. Too holy is rónaofa, and as holy as is chomh naofa le.
Does naofa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Naofa can mean holy or sacred, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'naofa' and 'naomh'?
'Naomh' is a noun meaning a saint, and it also comes before a name, as in 'Naomh Pádraig', while 'naofa' is the adjective and follows the name, as in 'Pádraig Naofa'. Both mean Saint Patrick.
How do I say 'the Holy Spirit' in Irish?
It is 'an Spiorad Naofa', often heard in the prayer 'In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic, agus an Spioraid Naoimh', where the older genitive form 'Naoimh' is kept.
