leanabh
standard
The usual word for "baby" in Scottish Gaelic is leanabh. Pàiste means "child" and is often used for a small one too.
Meaning: very young child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| leanabh | standard |
| pàiste | child |
Leanabh is a masculine noun and is the word you use for a newborn or an infant.
Which one should you use?
Pàiste is wider, since it covers any young child, while leanabh points to the very young.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of leanabh is leanaban.
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word leanabh is also used in affectionate speech to a small child.
Examples in context
- Tha an leanabh na chadal.The baby is asleep.
- Tha leanabh ùr aca.They have a new baby.
Example conversation
Catrìona visits her neighbour Anna, who has just had a baby.
- CatrìonaTha an leanabh brèagha.The baby is beautiful.
- AnnaTapadh leat.Thank you.
- CatrìonaA bheil e na chadal?Is he asleep?
