HeyRuaHow to say “infant” in Irish
- Irish:
- naíonán
- English:
- infant, infant pupil
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nee-NAWN” /n̪ˠiːˈn̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- naíonáin (infants)
- Genitive singular:
- naíonáin, an naíonáin (e.g. leaba an naíonáin, the infant's bed)
- Genitive plural:
- naíonán, na naíonán (e.g. bia naíonán, baby food)
What does “naíonán” mean?
“Naíonán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- infant
- A very young child, a baby, especially one not yet able to walk or talk.Also: baby, babe, newborn.
“Naíonán” with the article
The plural of infant in Irish is naíonáin. Here is naíonán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Naíonán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using naíonán, the Irish word for infant.
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 naíonán (pronounced “nee-NAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is naíonáin. Depending on context it can also mean infant pupil.
How do you pronounce naíonán in Irish?
Naíonán is said like “nee-NAWN” (IPA /n̪ˠiːˈn̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of infant in Irish?
The plural of naíonán is naíonáin; with the article, na naíonáin means “the infants”. The genitive plural is naíonán, as in bia naíonán (baby food).
Does naíonán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Naíonán can mean infant or infant pupil, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between naíonán and naíonra?
Naíonán is an infant or baby, while naíonra is an Irish-language playgroup or preschool for small children.
How do Irish schools name the infant classes?
Junior infants is na naíonáin bheaga and senior infants is na naíonáin mhóra.
