Infancy in Irish (Naíonacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for infancy?

The Irish for infancy is naíonacht (pronounced “NEE-uh-nukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean infancy (early stage).

Q: Does naíonacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Naíonacht can mean infancy or infancy (early stage), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “infancy” in Irish

Irish:: naíonacht
English:: infancy, infancy (early stage)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “NEE-uh-nukht” /ˈn̪ˠiːənˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: naíonachta, na naíonachta (e.g. tréimhse na naíonachta, the period of infancy)

What does “naíonacht” mean?

“Naíonacht” 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: infancy (early stage)

2infancy (early stage): The very early stage in the development of something.Also: infancy, early stage, beginning.

Other Irish words for infancy: leanbaíocht (childhood)

“Naíonacht” with the article

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

an naíonacht

the infancy

No change after an

“Naíonacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

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

Bhí sé tinn go minic ina naíonacht.

He was often sick in his infancy.

Is tréimhse thábhachtach í an naíonacht.

Infancy is an important period.

Ní cuimhin le duine ar bith a naíonacht.

Nobody remembers their infancy.

Tá an tionscal fós ina naíonacht.

The industry is still in its infancy.

D'fhoghlaim sí dhá theanga ó aimsir na naíonachta.

She learned two languages from infancy.

Bhí an teicneolaíocht sin ina naíonacht ag an am.

That technology was in its infancy at the time.

Tá cúram speisialta de dhíth sa naíonacht.

Special care is needed in infancy.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cuideachtacompany airecare aireminister toilwill ordúorder gnáthcustom

Infancy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for infancy?

The Irish for infancy is naíonacht (pronounced “NEE-uh-nukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean infancy (early stage).

How do you pronounce naíonacht in Irish?

Naíonacht is said like “NEE-uh-nukht” (IPA /ˈn̪ˠiːənˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does naíonacht have a plural?

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

Does naíonacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Naíonacht can mean infancy or infancy (early stage), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'naíonacht' different from 'óige'?

'Naíonacht' means babyhood or infancy specifically, while 'óige' is youth in general. Something new can be 'ina naíonacht', in its infancy.

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