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New thing in Irish (Nua): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘nua’ also means: new state · new

The Irish for new thing is nua, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “new thing” in Irish

Irish:
nua
English:
new thing, new state
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“noo-uh”  /n̪ˠuə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
nua, an nua (e.g. blas an nua, the taste of the new)

What does “nua” mean?

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

new thing
Something that is new, as opposed to what is old; the new in general.Also: novelty, the new, something new.
1 other meaning: new state
2new state
A fresh or renewed condition, used mainly in the phrase 'as an nua', meaning starting again from the beginning.Also: fresh start, renewal.
Other entries for “nua”

The same spelling has its own page as:

“Nua” with the article

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

an nua
the new thing
No change after an

“Nua” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using nua, the Irish word for new thing.

Thosaigh sé an obair as an nua.
He started the work all over again.
Nua gach bia agus sean gach dí.
Food is best new and drink is best old.
Tá meascán den sean agus den nua anseo.
There is a mix of the old and the new here.
Caithfimid an scéal a scríobh as an nua.
We have to write the story again from scratch.
Bhí an nua agus an sean taobh le taobh.
The new and the old were side by side.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

New thing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for new thing?

The Irish for new thing is nua (pronounced “noo-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean new state.

How do you pronounce nua in Irish?

Nua is said like “noo-uh” (IPA /n̪ˠuə/).

Does nua have a plural?

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

Does nua have more than one meaning?

Yes. Nua can mean new thing or new state, depending on context; the first is the most common. Nua also has its own entry as an adjective meaning new.

What does 'as an nua' mean?

'As an nua' means anew or from the beginning again, as in 'Thosaigh sé as an nua', he started afresh.

How is the noun 'nua' different from 'nuacht'?

'Nua' as a noun means a new thing or the new in general, while 'nuacht' means news.

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