Prudence in Irish (Críonnacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for prudence?

The Irish for prudence is críonnacht (pronounced “KREE-nukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean thrift.

Q: Does críonnacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Críonnacht can mean prudence or thrift, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “prudence” in Irish

Irish:: críonnacht
English:: prudence, thrift
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KREE-nukht” /ˈkɾʲiːn̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: críonnachta, na críonnachta (e.g. buntáiste na críonnachta, the advantage of prudence)

What does “críonnacht” mean?

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

prudence: The quality of being wise, careful and sensible in judgement and behaviour.Also: wisdom, sagacity, discretion, shrewdness.

1 other meaning: thrift

2thrift: Careful and sparing use of money or goods.Also: thriftiness, frugality, carefulness with money.

“Críonnacht” with the article

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

an chríonnacht

the prudence

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Críonnacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using críonnacht, the Irish word for prudence.

Tagann críonnacht le haois, a deir siad.

Wisdom comes with age, they say.

Léirigh sí críonnacht thar a haois.

She showed wisdom beyond her years.

Ba í an chríonnacht a shábháil an teaghlach.

It was thrift that saved the family.

Bhí sé ina fhear mór críonnachta.

He was a man of great prudence.

Níl mórán críonnachta ag baint leis an bplean sin.

There isn't much sense in that plan.

Labhair sé le críonnacht agus le foighne.

He spoke with wisdom and patience.

Ní raibh críonnacht ar bith ag baint lena chaiteachas.

There was no prudence at all in his spending.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

táillefee coimisiúncommission léitheoireachtreading airteagalarticle aiscegift seolsail

Prudence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for prudence?

The Irish for prudence is críonnacht (pronounced “KREE-nukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean thrift.

How do you pronounce críonnacht in Irish?

Críonnacht is said like “KREE-nukht” (IPA /ˈkɾʲiːn̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does críonnacht have a plural?

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

Does críonnacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Críonnacht can mean prudence or thrift, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does críonnacht change to chríonnacht or gcríonnacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) críonnacht becomes mo chríonnacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcríonnacht (eclipsis).

How is 'críonnacht' different from 'gaois' and 'eagna'?

'Críonnacht' suggests practical prudence and shrewdness, often with money, while 'gaois' is cleverness or wisdom and 'eagna' is deeper, more philosophical wisdom.

Is 'críonnacht' related to 'críonna'?

Yes, it is the abstract noun from the adjective 'críonna', meaning wise, prudent or thrifty, and also old.

Prudence in Irish (Críonnacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage