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Infancy in Irish (Naíondacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘naíondacht’ also means: childlike innocence

The Irish for infancy is naíondacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “infancy” in Irish

Irish:
naíondacht
English:
infancy, childlike innocence
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“NEE-un-dukht”  /ˈn̪ˠiːən̪ˠd̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
naíondachta, na naíondachta (e.g. blianta na naíondachta, the years of infancy)

What does “naíondacht” mean?

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

infancy
The earliest period of a person's life, when they are a baby or very young child.Also: babyhood, early childhood.
1 other meaning: childlike innocence
2childlike innocence
The quality of being innocent or simple like a small child.Also: innocence, childlikeness, simplicity.

Other Irish words for infancy: leanbaíocht (childhood)

“Naíondacht” with the article

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

an naíondacht
the infancy
No change after an

“Naíondacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using naíondacht, the Irish word for infancy.

Ní cuimhin liom aon rud ó mo naíondacht.
I don't remember anything from my infancy.
Bhí sé tinn go minic le linn a naíondachta.
He was often sick during his infancy.
Is tréimhse thábhachtach í an naíondacht.
Infancy is an important period.
Fuair sí bás ina naíondacht.
She died in infancy.
Tá a lán grianghraf ann ó naíondacht an pháiste.
There are lots of photos from the child's infancy.
Bhí naíondacht shona aige faoin tuath.
He had a happy infancy in the countryside.
D'fhoghlaim sí Gaeilge ón naíondacht.
She learned Irish from infancy.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Infancy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for infancy?

The Irish for infancy is naíondacht (pronounced “NEE-un-dukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean childlike innocence.

How do you pronounce naíondacht in Irish?

Naíondacht is said like “NEE-un-dukht” (IPA /ˈn̪ˠiːən̪ˠd̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does naíondacht have a plural?

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

Does naíondacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Naíondacht can mean infancy or childlike innocence, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How does naíondacht differ from óige?

Naíondacht refers to infancy, the baby stage, while óige means youth or childhood more generally.

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