HeyRuaHow to say “infant” in Irish
- Irish:
- naí
- English:
- infant
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nee” /n̪ˠiː/
Various forms
- Plural:
- naíonna (infants)
- Genitive singular:
- naí, an naí (e.g. cliabhán an naí, the infant's cradle)
- Genitive plural:
- naíonna, na naíonna (e.g. éadaí na naíonna, the infants' clothes)
What does “naí” mean?
- infant
- A very young child, a baby, especially one not yet able to walk or talk.Also: baby, babe, newborn.
Other Irish words for infant: naíonán (infant), babaí (baby), bunóc (infant)
“Naí” with the article
The plural of infant in Irish is naíonna. Here is naí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
an naí
the infant
No change after an
na naíonna
the infants
Plural: no change after na
“Naí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using naí, the Irish word for infant.
Tá an naí ina chodladh sa chliabhán.
The infant is asleep in the cradle.
Rugadh naí nua di inné.
She gave birth to a new baby yesterday.
Bhí caoineadh an naí le cloisteáil ar fud an tí.
The baby's crying could be heard all over the house.
Tá cúram naíonna ar na haltraí sin.
Those nurses look after infants.
Thug mé mo naí chuig an dochtúir.
I took my baby to the doctor.
Ní ceart naí a fhágáil ina aonar.
You shouldn't leave an infant alone.
Tá bia speisialta ann do naíonna.
There is special food for infants.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Infant in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for infant?
The Irish for infant is naí (pronounced “nee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is naíonna.
How do you pronounce naí in Irish?
Naí is said like “nee” (IPA /n̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of infant in Irish?
The plural of naí is naíonna; with the article, na naíonna means “the infants”. The genitive plural is naíonna, as in éadaí na naíonna (the infants' clothes).
What is the difference between naí and naíonán?
Both mean infant; naíonán is the more common everyday word, while naí is somewhat more literary. Naíonáin is also used for the junior classes in primary school.
