Boats and Ships

31st August 202320th July 2025 By Simon

Words for boat, ship and related vessels in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	longā = boat, vessel longestā = fleet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	long [l͈oŋɡ] = boat, ship loinges = ships, fleet, expedition, exile longfort = camp, encampment, stronghold
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	long, longa = boat, ship, vessel, long-ship, galley; vessel, container; house; bed loinges = fleet, ships, shipping, naval expedition, invasion by sea, banishment, exile, band of sea-rovers, invaders loingsech = exile, banished man, wanderer, sea-rover, pirate loingseóir = seaman, pilot longphort, lonngport = camp, encampment, temporary stronghold, mansion, princely dwelling; stronghold, fortress
Irish (Gaeilge)	long [l̪ˠɔŋ] = ship, vessel, container, house longbhá = shipwreck longbhac = embargo (on ships), naval blockade longbhoth = (navel) dock longbhriste = shipwrecked longcheárta, longchlós = shipyard longfort = camp, stronghold, fortified residence longlann = dockyard longmhar = abounding in ships longtheach = boat-house longthógáil = shipbuilding loingeas [ˈl̪ˠɪɲ(ɟ)əsˠ] = ships, shipping, fleet, naval expedition, (band of) sea-rovers, banishment, exile loingseach = mariner, seaman, sea-rover, pirate, exile, wanderer; abounding in ships loingseoir = mariner, seaman, navigator loingseoireacht = seamanship, (skill in) navigation, (act of) seafaring, voyaging
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	long [l̪ˠɔuŋg] = ship longas = shipping, shipment longart = seaport long-adhair = airship long-bhriste = shipwreck long-chasgadh = embargo long-fhada = galley (ship) long-fhànais = spaceship long-lann = dockyard long-phort = seaport long-thogail = shipbuilding loingeas [l̪ˠɔiŋʲgʲəs] = shipping, fleet, ships
Manx (Gaelg)	lhong [loŋ] = ship, vessel lhong aer = airship lhong-chaardee = boatyard, shipyard lhong chrowal = hovercraft lhong liauyr = longship lhong-phurt = basin, seaport lhong spoar = spaceship lhong spooillee = pirate ship lhuingys = fleet, shipping lhuingyssagh = naval, navigable lhuingysser = navigator lhuingysseyraght = navigation
Proto-Brythonic	llong = ship, vessel llunges = fleet (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	loggou, log, llogeu, llong = ship, boat llongi = to embark, ship llongeidiev, llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llog porth, llogborth, llong-borth = seaport, haven, harbour long-dorr = shipwreck longhawl, llonghavl. llongawl = nautical, maritime, naval llongỼyr, llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llyghes, llynghes, llynges = navy, squadron, convoy, fleet llynghesan = flotilla, small fleet or navy llyghessawc, llyghessavc, llyngesawg = naval, seafarer, leader of a fleet, admiral llyghesswr = seaman, sailor, seafarer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llong [ɬɔŋ] = ship, boat; the Great Bear (Ursa Major) llongaf, llongi = to embark, ship llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llongborth = seaport, harbour, dock, quay llongdor = shipwreck llongol = nautical, maritime, naval llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llong awyr = airship, aeroplane llong y diffeithwch, llong dir = ship of the desert, camel llong ofod = spaceship, spacecraft llong hofran = hovercraft llong danfor(ol) = submarine llynges = navy, squadron, convoy, fleet llyngesu = to sail llyngesan = flotilla, small fleet or navy llyngesol = naval llyng(h)esog = naval, seafarer, leader of a fleet, admiral llyng(h)eswr = seaman, sailor, seafarer
Old Breton	locou = ship, boat

Etymology: possibly from the Latin (navis) longa ([long] boat), or from an unknown source [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nāwā- = boat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nau, nó = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nó, noe = boat (generally a small one, propelled by oars)
Irish (Gaeilge)	nae [n̪ˠeː] = boat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	noe = large vase, bowl
Welsh (Cymraeg)	noe = (wooden) vessel used in making butter, kneading dough, etc. shallow dish, bowl, pan, basin, laver, wooden trough noeaid = dishful
Cornish (Kernewek)	new = sink, trough, washbasin new doos = trough new-droghya = sheep dip
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	néau, néff, neo, nev = trough, bucket néay-doas, neo-doaz, nev-doaz = kneading-trough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nev = trough, bucket

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *néh₂us (boat), from *(s)neh₂- (to swim) [Source]. Words from the same roots include navy, navigate, and nautical in English [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelic)	bát = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bát, bád = boat
Irish (Gaeilge)	bád [bˠɑːd̪ˠ/bˠaːd̪ˠ] = boat bádóireacht = (act of) boating bád iascaigh = fishing boat bád seoil = sailing boat bád tarrthála = lifeboat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàta [baːhdə] = boat, craft bàtaireachd = boating bàta-aigeil = submarine bàta-asieig = ferry boat bàta-falbhain = hovercraft bàta-iasgaich = fishing boat bàta-sàbhalaidh = lifeboat bàta-siùil = sailing boat
Manx (Gaelg)	baatey [ˈbɛːðə] = boat, even keel baateyrys = boating baatey assaig = ferry boat baatey bieauid = speedboat baatey eeastee = fishing boat baatey etlagh = seaplane baatey sauaillagh = lifeboat baatey
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bat, bad = boat badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = boat, barge, (small) ship badaid = boatful badlong = ketch, pinnace badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman bad acbub = lifeboat bad pysgota = fishing boat

Etymology: from Old English bāt (boat) or from Old Norse bátr (boat), both of which come from Proto-Germanic *baitaz (boat, ship), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeyd- (to break, split) [Source].

The English word boat comes from the same roots, as do words for boat in many other languages [Source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scaf, scaffu, scafa = ship
Irish (Gaeilge)	scafa [sˠkɑfˠə] = ship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgoth [sgɔh] = skiff sgothag = little skiff, small yacht, cutter sgiof [sgʲif] = skiff (boat) sgib [sgʲib] = small ship (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	skiff = skiff
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgraff, yscraff, ysgraff = boat, barge, ferry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgraff, sgraff = boat, barge, skiff, ferry, ship, raft ysgraffbont = pontoon ysgraffwr, ysgraffydd = ferryman, boatman, bargee
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scath = boat scath hîr = long boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	skath = boat skathik = dinghy skath hir = barge skath kloos = raft skath tan = motor-boat skath sawya = lifeboat skath-wolya = sailing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scaph, scaff, sqaff, skaf = skiff skavat, skafad = contents of a skiff
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skaf = skiff, landing net

Etymology: possibly from Latin scapha (a light boat, skiff), from Ancient Greek σκάφη (skáphē – light boat, skiff), from σκᾰ́πτω (skáptō – to dig, delve); or from Old Norse skúta (small craft, cutter) [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*lestrom = vessel, pot
Old Irish (Goídelic)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive, ship, boat lestarach = frequented by ships
Irish (Gaeilge)	leastar [ˈl̠ʲasˠt̪ˠəɾˠ] = vessel, container (for liquids), cask, firkin, (wash) tub, punt (boat), tub; squat, dumpy person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leastar = small boat, cup, vessel, furniture of a house
Proto-Brythonic	*llestr = vessel, container
Old Welsh	lestir = vessel, container
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llestri, llestyr = vessel, container llestreit, llestraid, llestred = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestryn, llestrun = small vessel, small barrel, boat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llestr [ɬɛstr/ˈɬɛstɛr] = vessel, bushel, ship, boat, beehive, womb, uterus llestraid = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestrwr = maker of vessels, potter llestryn = small vessel, small barrel, boat, human body
Old Cornish	lester = vessel, container
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lester = vessel, ship golowlester = a light-vessel, a lamp
Cornish (Kernewek)	lester = dish, ship, utensil vessel lester eth = steam boat lester-bargesi = hovercraft lester=gwari = yacht lester-sedhi = submarine annedh lester = houseboat lestrier = (kitchen) dresser lestriva = dockyard lestryn = container
Old Breton	lestr = ship, vessel, container
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lestr = ship, vessel, container lestr-dre-dan = steamship lestr-kroazer, lestr-reder = cruiser
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lestr [ˈlɛstʁ] = vessel, container, ship lestr-spluj[lɛs.ˈplyːʃ] = submarine aerlestr [ˈɛʁlestʁ] = aircraft lestrañ [ˈlɛstrã] = to board, load (a vehicle) dilestrañ [diˈlɛsːtrã] = to disemark

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ- (to fold, weave). The Goidelic words were possibly borrowed from Proto-Brythonic [Source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cwch, cŵch = boat, beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwch [kʊχ] = boat, beehive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coc = boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	kok = fishing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	couc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kouc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat) kouc’hañ = to cover (a beehive)

Etymology: possibly cognate with the English word cog (a clinker-built, flat-bottomed, square-rigged mediaeval ship of burden, or war with a round, bulky hull and a single mast; a small fishing boat), which comes from Middle Dutch cogghe (clinker-built, flat-bottomed sailing cargo ship of the Middle Ages), from Proto-Germanic *kuggō, from PIE *gugā (hump, ball) [Source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Near and Close

9th August 202311th November 2025 By Simon

Words for near, close and and and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*adgostus = near
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ocus [ˈoɡus] = near, close, nearness, proximity, and
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ocus, acus = and, near, nearness, proximity com(ḟ)ocus, comacus = near, proximate, neighbouring; equidistant, proximity; relationship focus = near, close bean fagas, bean ḟogas = kinswoman
Irish (Gaeilge)	agus (⁊) [ˈɑɡəsˠ/ˈaɡəsˠ] = and, while, although, as agusóir = halting, inarticulate, speaker aguisín = addition, addendum fogas [ˈfˠʌɡəsˠ] = nearness, closeness, near, close fogasghaol = near relationship, near relative foisceacht = nearness, proximity bráthair fogas = near kinsman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agus (⁊) [agəs] = and, plus, as, while, although agusan = Tironian/Gaelic ampersand (⁊) fagas [fagəs] = close, near fagasg [fagəsg] = proximity, nearness fagasachd [fagəsəxg] = adjacency, nearness, proximity fagasach [fagəsəx] = adjacent faisg [faʃgʲ] = close, near faisgead [faʃgʲəd] = degree of nearness/proximity
Manx (Gaelg)	as = and, as faggys = almost, close, contiguous, handy, near, nearby, neighbouring faggys-yalloo = closeup faggysaght = adjacency, nearness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agos = near, close agoseieit = close relations or friends
Welsh (Cymraeg)	agos [ˈaɡɔs / ˈa(ː)ɡɔs] = near, close, almost, nearly, on the verge of, about to agosâd = a drawing near, approach agosaf, agosi = to draw near, approach agosaol = approaching agoseiaid = close relations or friends agosiad = close relation or friend agosrwydd = closeness, nearness, proximity agoster = closeness, nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	ogos = near, close
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ogas, oges, ogos, agos = near, neighbouring
Cornish (Kernewek)	ogas = adjoining, close, near, almost, nearly, vicinity ogas ha = approximately ogas lowr = approximate yn ogas, en ogas = closely, nearby ogasti, ogatti = almost, nearly
Old Breton	ocos = near, close
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hogos, hegos, ogos, egos = almost, barely, close, near hogoster, hogosder = proximity hogozik, hogosicq, hogosic = almost, close, near
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hogos = near, close, almost hogosder = proximity

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *ad- (to, at towards), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd (to, at), and PIE *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include chiropractor, host, million, surgeon and words beginning with kilo- and milli- in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	nessais, nezdais = nearer, closer *nessamos = nearest, next
Gaulish	neđđamon = nearest (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nessa [ˈn̠ʲe.sa] = nearer, closer nessam = nearest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nes(s)a, nes(s)o, nes(s)u = nearer nes(s)a, nes(s)am = nearest
Irish (Gaeilge)	neas [nʲasˠ / n̠ʲasˠ] = approximate, near neasa = nearer, nearest neasach = proximal neasacht = nearness, proximity neasaigh = approximate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neasan† = next, or nearest place
Manx (Gaelg)	niessey = nearer s’niessey = closer, closest, nearer, nearest sniessey = adjacent, nearer, next, proximate niessid = contiguity, nearness, proximity, compactness
Proto-Brythonic	*nes = nearer (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nes = nearer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nes = nearer, until nessaw, nessaf, nesaf = neatest, closest, next (to) nessa, nesa, nessu = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nes(e)d, nesset = as near as, so near, how near nesder = nearness, proximity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nes [neːs] = nearer, until, till nesâd = an approach(ing), a coming nesaf = nearest, closest, next (to) nesaf, nesu, nesyd = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nesed = as near as, so near, how near nester = nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	nes = nearer, near
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	nes, nês = nearer, near, again neshevin = neighbour nessa = nearest, next, hithermost, second nesse = to draw near, approach
Cornish (Kernewek)	nes = close, nearer yn-nes, en-nes = closer, nearer nesa = to approach nesadow = approachable neshe = to approach, close, near neshevin, neskar = next of kin, relative, cognate nesogas = approximate nessa = nearer, next, second, secondary nester = proximity
Old Breton	nes = close, next nesham = next
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nes = close, next nessaff = closest, next nessat = to approach, get closer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nes [ˈneːs] = close, next, intimate nesaat [ne.ˈsɑːt] = to approach, get closer nesadur = approximation nesaek = intimate nesaet = approximate nesañ [ˈnesː.ã] = closest, next, other nesañded = alliance, proximity, genealogy

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*atkʷe = and
Old Welsh	ha, hac, hay, ac = and
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ha, a, hac, hay, ac = and
Welsh (Cymraeg)	a, ac [a(k), a(ɡ)] = and, considering, in view of a(c) … a(c) = both … and, not only … but also
Old Cornish	ha = and
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ha(g), a = and
Cornish (Kernewek)	ha(g) [ha(ɡ)] = and, plus, while hag erel (h.e.) = etc. hag oll = moreover
Old Breton	a, ha, hac = and
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ha, hag, ham, haz = and hag all, ha a, hag e-se = etc.
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ha(g) = and hag all (h.a.) = etc.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ét-kʷe. The Latin word atque (and, yet, nevertheless, as, than) comes from the same root [source].

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202325th May 2024 By Simon

Words for beak, snout and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gobbos = muzzle, snout, beak
Gaulish	*gobbos [ˈɡob.bos] = mouth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gop = beak, snout, muzzle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gop, guib, guip = muzzle, snout, beak, point/head of a spear, thin-mouthed, sharp-pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	gob [ɡɔbˠ/ɡɞbˠ/ɡʌbˠ] = beak, bill, tip, point, projection gobach = beaked, long-billed, sharp (expression), pointed, lipped (jug) gobachán = sharp-featured person, beak-nosed person, sharp-tongued person, inquisitive/interfering person, chatterer, gossip gobadh = protrusion, shooting, springing, sprouting gobaí = bird with a long beak, person with pointed features gobaireacht = picking, pecking, chattering, chatter, gossip gobán = (small) tip, point, gag, dummy goblach = beakful, mouthful, morsel, lump, chunk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gob [gob] = beak, bill, gob, pointed/sharp end, corner, spit (of land), point (of a fishing hook) gobachadh = pecking, rising (wind), poking through gobad [gobag] = talkative female, little bill, cabin hook goban = small mouth, small beak gobaire = chatterbox, chattterer, tell-tale gobach [gobəx] = beaked, snouty, cheeky, chatty
Manx (Gaelg)	gob = apex, headland, hook, jet, jut, nose(piece), point, prominence, promontory, beak, nib, spout, mouth, muzzle, bow (of ship) gobbagh = beaked, billed, nibbed, prominent, salient gob-rollian = talkative person

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵebʰ- (jaw, mouth). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include gober (to swallow hole) and gobelet (goblet, cup, beaker) in French, and gob (a slang word for mouth) and goblet in English, [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bekkos = beak, snout
Gaulish	*bekkos = beak, snout
Proto-Brythonic	*bek = beak, snout
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	becq, beeg, bêg, beg = mouth, beak, snout, point, cape, summit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	beg = beak, mouth, point, mouthpiece, embouchure beg-douar = point beg-hir = dolphin

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *bak- (peg, club) [source].

Words from the same roots, via the Gaulish *bekkos and the Latin beccus (beak, bill), include bec (beak, bill, mouth) in French, beco (beak, mouthpiece, burner) in Italian, bico (beak, bill, snout, rostrum) in Portuguese, pico (beak, sharp point, pickaxe, peak, spout) in Portuguese, bek (beak, snout, mouth) in Dutch, and beak in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	gulbā, gulbīnos = beak, bill
Gaulish	*gulbiā = beak, bill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gulban, gulpan = bird’s beak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gulba = beak, mouth, jaw gulban = beak, sting gulbanda = beaked, piercing gulbnech = beaked, sharp-beaked gulbnén = small beak gulbnide = biting gulbniugad nibbing, biting
Irish (Gaeilge)	gulba = beak, bill, tip, point, projection guilbneach = (sharp-)beaked, curlew guilbnéan = little beak guilbnigh = to peck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gulb [gul̪ˠub] = beak, nose gulban [gul̪ˠuban] = beak, nose guilbneach [gulubnəx] = curlew
Proto-Brythonic	*gulbino- = beak, snout
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gilb = sharp point, beak, bill, snout
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gelef, gylyf = sharp point, beak, bill, snout gilbin, gyluin, gylfin = bird’s beak, snout gylfinir, gelvinir, gylfinhir = curlew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gylf, glyfyf = sharp point, sharp-pointed instrument, knife, bird’s beak, bird’s bill, snout, nose, grimace gylfin = bird’s beak, bill, snout, sharp-pointed nose, mouth, lip gylfinaid = beakful, mouthful gylfinir = curlew gylfinog = beaked, rostrated, wild daffodil, narcissus
Old Cornish	geluin = beak, bill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinac, gylvinac = curlew
Cornish (Kernewek)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinek = curlew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwlib, glawlib = curlew, whimbrel (?)

Etymology: probably of non-Proto-Indo-European origin. Words from the same root, via Gaulish *gulbiā and the Latin gulbia (piercer, chisel), gulbia (gouge) in Galician, gubia (gouge) in Spanish, gorbia (ferrule) in Italian, and gouge in English and French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Hundred

19th July 202325th July 2023 By Simon

Words for a hundred and related things in Celtic languages:

hundred

Proto-Celtic	kantom = hundred kantometos = hundredth
Gaulish	*canta = hundred
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cét [kʲeːd] = hundred, a hundred people/warriors, troops, battalions cétmad [ˈkʲeːdṽað] = hundredth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ced, céit, cét = hundred, a hundred people/warriors, troops, battalions cétach, cetach = hundredfold, possossing a hundred cétmad = hundredth
Irish (Gaeilge)	céad [ciːa̯d̪ˠ/ceːd̪ˠ] = hundred, century, hundredweight, great, long céadach = hundredfold, great, immense céadú = hundredth céadchosach = centipede céad míle fáilte = a hundred thousand welcomes
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceud [kʲiəd] = hundred ceudamh [kʲiadəv] (100ᵐʰ) = hundredth 100ᵗʰ) ceudad [kʲiədəd] = percent, percentage ceud mìle fàilte = a hundred thousand welcomes ceudameatair = centimetre ceudamhail [kʲiədəval] = percentile ceud-chasach = centipede ceudach [kʲiədəx] = hundredfold
Manx (Gaelg)	keead [kiːəd] = hundred, century keeadoo = hundredth keead blein = centenary keead filley = hundredfold keead liauyr/mooar = long hundred keead-choshagh = centipede
Proto-Brythonic	*kant [kant] = hundred
Old Welsh	cant = hundred
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cant, can = hundred canvet, canuet, kannvet, canved = hundredth cantref, cantrew, cantreuyt = hundred, cantred, province, district
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cant, can [kant/kan] = hundred, a host, hundredweight, percentage; century canfed (100fed) = hundredth (100th), centesimal, century canrif = century cantref = hundred, cantred, province, district cantro = a hundred times, many times, twisted many times cantroed = centipede, a hundred feet cantwll = a hundred holes, riddled with holes hanner cant = fifty cant a mil = a hundred and one, a large number can diolch = many thanks
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cans = hundred canquyth, canswyth = a hundred times
Cornish (Kernewek)	kans = hundred kansves = hundredth kansbledhen = century kanskradh = centigrade kanskweyth = a hundred times kansplek = hundredfold kansran = percent(age)
Old Breton	cant = hundred
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cant, cantt, can, chant = hundred, 100 pounds (lb) canuet, cantvet, cantved = hundredth cantved = century candad, cantad = around hundred cant(-)doubl = centuple cantenier, candener, candenyer = centurion
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kant [kãn(t)] = hundred kantvet [ˈkãn.vet] = hundredth kantved [ˈkãn.vet] = century kantad [ˈkãn.tat] = around hundred

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱm̥tóm (hundred) [source].

Words from the same roots include hundred, century, centigrade, hecatontome (a very large number of books) and hecatologue (a code of 100 rules) in English, and words related to hundred in other Indo-European languages [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Twenty

11th July 202312th July 2023 By Simon

Words for twenty and related things in Celtic languages:

twenty

Proto-Celtic	*wikantī = twenty
Gaulish	uoconti = twenty
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fiche [ˈfʲixʲe] = twenty fichetmad = twentieth fichtige = twenty day/year period
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fiche, fichet, fichit, fichtea = twenty, a score fichetmad, fichatmath, fichetmudh = twentieth fichetech = pertaining to twenty fichtige = a period of twenty (days, years, etc)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiche [ˈfʲɪhə/ˈfʲɪçə/fʲiː] = twenty (an) fichiú = twentieth
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fichead [fiçəd] = twenty, a score ficheadamh [fiçədəv] (20ᵐʰ) = twentieth (20ᵗʰ) fichead-shliosnach = icosahedron (a polyhedron with 20 faces) fichead-fillte = twentyfold
Manx (Gaelg)	feed [fiːdʒ] = twenty, a score feedoo, (yn) eedoo = (the) twentieth feed cheead = two thousand (twenty hundred)
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉgėnt = twenty
Cumbric	giggy, jiggit = twenty
Old Welsh	uceint = twenty
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ugein, ugeint, vgein = twenty vgeinvet, ugeinuet = twentieth ugeinwyr, vgainwyr, vgain-wr, vgain-ŵr = twenty men
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ugain [ˈɪɡai̯n/ˈiːɡai̯n] = twenty, score, twenty-pound note ugeinfed [ɪˈɡei̯nvɛd] (20fed) = twentieth ugeiniol = pertaining to twenty, denoting twenty ugeinw(y)r = twenty men
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ugans, hugens = twenty, a score
Cornish (Kernewek)	ugens, ugans = twenty ugensves = twentieth
Old Breton	ucent = twenty
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	vgent, uiguent, ugent = twenty ugentved = twentieth ugentvedenn = twentieth part ugentad = around twenty ugentvedenni, ugentvedenna = to divide by twenty ugentveder = a commemoration of 20 years ugentvederel = vigesimal (20-base numeral system)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ugent [ˈyːɡẽn(t)] = twenty ugentvet = twentieth ugentvedenn = twentieth part ugentad = around twenty

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dwi(h₁)dḱm̥ti (twenty) from *wídḱm̥ti (twenty) [source].

Words from the same roots include بیست‎ (bist – twenty) in Persian (Farsi), बीस (bīs – twenty) in Hindi and Nepali, বিশ (biś – twenty) in Bengali and વીસ (vīs – twenty) in Gujarati, and words for twenty in some other Indo-European languages languages [source].

Incidentally, the English words twenty, and words for twenty in other Germanic languages, are not cognate. Instead they come from the Proto-Germanic roots *twain- (two) ‎and *-tigaz (group of ten) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Decades

6th July 20237th July 2023 By Simon

Words for ten and related things in Celtic languages:

ten

Proto-Celtic	dekam = ten dekametos = tenth
Celtiberian	tekametam = tenth
Gaulish	decan = ten decametos = tenth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	deich [dʲexʲ] = ten dechmad = tenth, ten days deichenbor = ten people
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	deich, dech = ten dechmad, deachmadh = tenth, ten days deichenbor, dechnabar, dechnebur = ten people deichenborach = belonging to a company of ten deichthriub = The Ten Tribes of Israel
Irish (Gaeilge)	deich [dʲɛç/dʲɛh/dʲɛ] = ten (an) deichiú = tenth, tenth part deichniúr = ten people deichbhliantúil = decennial (consisting of or lasting 10 years; occuring every 10 years) deachú = tenth part, tithe deachúil = decimal deachúlaigh = to decimalize deachúlú = decimalization
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deich [dʲeç] = ten deicheamh [dʲeçəv] (10ᵐʰ) = tenth (10ᵗʰ) deichnear [dʲeçnər] = ten (people) deich ar fhichead = thirty Na Deich Àitheantan = The Ten Commandments deichead [dʲeçəd] = decade, decimal deicheachadh = (act of) decimalising, decimalisation deich-fillte = tenfold
Manx (Gaelg)	jeih [d͡ʒɛi] = ten (yn) jeihoo = (the) tenth jeihaght = decade, ten jeih keead = thousand jeih filley = ten-fold Jeih Annaghyn = Ten Commandments
Proto-Brythonic	deg [dɛːɡ] = ten degβ̃ed [dɛɡˈβ̃ɛːd] = tenth
Cumbric	dig, dick, dik = ten
Old Welsh	dec = ten
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dec = ten decuet, decvet, decfed = tenth decuettyd = tenth day dec a hugein(t) = thirty dec a dugein(t) = fifty dec a phedwar ugein(t) = ninety degeir = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue degniev = ten days deguyr, degwyr = ten men
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deg [deːɡ] = ten degfed [ˈdɛɡvɛd/ˈdɛɡvad] (10fed) = tenth degfetydd = tenth day deg ar hugain = thirty deg a thrigain = seventy deg a phedwar ugain = ninety dega(w)d = decade degiad = decimal degoes = ten ages or lifetimes, prolonged life degol = decimal, metric, tenth part degolaf, degoli = to decimalize; decimate, tithe degoliad = decimalization, decmiation, a tithing dengair = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue dengnïau = ten days dengnyn, dengw(y)r = ten men, ten persons
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dec, dék, dég = ten dege, degves = tenth dek warn-ugens, dék war-nugens, degwarnygnas = thirty deg ha dugans = fifty
Cornish (Kernewek)	deg = ten degves = tenth deg warn ugens = thirty deg ha dew ugens = fifty deg ha tri ugens = seventy deg ha peswar ugens = ninety degowek, degoweges = teenage, teenager degvledhen = decade
Old Breton	dec = ten
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dec, dêc, deg, dégeu, dek = ten decuet, dekved = tenth dec ha triuguent, dec ha tri vguent = seventy dec ha peuaruguent = ninety dek kant, dec-cant, dek-kant = thousand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dek = ten dekvet = tenth dek ha tri-ugent = seventy dek ha pevar-ugent = ninety Dekalog = Decalogue, the Ten Commandments

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *déḱm̥ (ten) and *deḱm̥tós (tenth) [source].

English words from the same roots include ten, decade, decimal and decathlon [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Nine

30th June 20236th July 2023 By Simon

Words for nine and related things in Celtic languages:

nine

Proto-Celtic	nowan = nine naumetos = ninth
Gaulish	nau = nine nametos* = ninth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	noí [n͈oːi̯] = nine nómad = ninth nónbor = nine people noínden = nine days
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	noí, noi = nine nómad, nomad = ninth nónbor = nine people noínden = nine days noíchtige = a period of 29 days nócha, nocha, nochat = ninety
Irish (Gaeilge)	naoi [n̪ˠiː/n̪ˠɰiː] = nine (an) naoú = ninth naonúr = nine people naoi déag = nineteen nócha = ninety naoichodach = ninefold, having nine parts
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	naoi(dh) [n̪ˠɯj] = nine naodh [n̪ˠɯːɣ] = nine naoitheamh [n̪ˠɤjəv] (9ᵐʰ) = ninth (9ᵗʰ) naoinear [n̪ˠɯːn̪ʲər] = nine (people) naoi deug = nineteen naochad [n̪ˠɯːxəd] = ninety naoidh-fillte = nonuple, ninefold, nine-ply
Manx (Gaelg)	nuy [nɛi/niː] = nine (yn) nuyoo = (the) ninth nuy jeig = nineteen nuy-cheayrtyn, nuy-filley = ninefold nuy-uillinagh = nonagonal, nonagon
Proto-Brythonic	naw [n͈oːi̯] = nine nọβ̃ed = ninth
Old Welsh	naw = nine
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nav, nau, naw = nine navuet, nauuet, nawued, nawuet = ninth naw deg, naw-deg = ninety nawkan, naw cant, nawcant = nine hundred, many, numerous naw ugein(t) = 180 nawbann, nowban = (having) nine syllables (in Welsh poetry) nawwell, nawell = nine times better (than), much better naun, nawn, naon = the ninth hour of the day naw nyn, nawnyn = nine men
Welsh (Cymraeg)	naw [naːu̯/nau̯] = nine nawfed [ˈnau̯vɛd/ˈnau̯vad] (9fed) = ninth, one of nine, nones (in Roman calendar) deunaw = eighteen (two nines) naw deg = ninety nawcant = nine hundred, many, numerous nawban, naw ban = (having) nine syllables (in Welsh poetry) nawell = nine times better (than), much better nawn = the ninth hour of the day (approx. 3pm) midday, nooon, afternoon nawnbryd = evening meal, dinner, supper nawnyn, naw nyn = nine men nawplyg = ninefold
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	naw = nine nawnzac, nawntek, nownsec, nowndzhak = nineteen naiv cans = nine hundred
Cornish (Kernewek)	naw = nine nawves = ninth nownsek = nineteen nowsegves = nineteenth
Old Breton	nau = nine
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nau, nao, naou, naff, nauë, naü = nine navet = ninth nauntec, nantec, nandec = nineteen naontecvet, nandecvèd, naontekved, naoñteget = nineteenth nao ugent = 180
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nav [ˈnaw] = nine navet = ninth naontek = nineteen

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁néwn̥ (nine) and *h₁newn̥nós (ninth) [source].

English words from the same roots include nine, and words beginning with ennea-, such as enneagon (a 9-sided polygon) and enneastyle (having 9 columns) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Eightsome

22nd June 202322nd June 2023 By Simon

Words for eight and related things in Celtic languages:

eight

Proto-Celtic	oxtū = eight oxtūmetos = eighth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ocht [ˈoxt] = eight ochtmad [ˈoxtṽað] = eighth ochtar = a group of eight people ochtmoga = eighty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ocht = eight ochtmad = eighth ochtur, ochtor, ochtar = eight people/things ochta = a group of eight things, an octad ochtmoga, ochtmogo, ochtmogat = eighty
Irish (Gaeilge)	ocht [ɔxt̪ˠ/ʌxt̪ˠ]= eight ochtar = eight (people) ochtú = eighth, eighth part ocht déag = eighteen ochtó = eighty ochtddach = having eight parts, eightfold ochtábhó = octavo ochtach, ochtáibh = octave ochtagán = octagon ochtapas = octopus
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ochd [ɔxg] = eight ochdamh [ɔxgəv] (8ᵐʰ) = eighth (8ᵗʰ) ochdnar [ɔxgnər] = eight people ochd-fillte = octuple, eightfold, eight-ply ochd-shliosach = octagon, octahedron ochd-chasach = octopus
Manx (Gaelg)	hoght [hoːx(t)] = eight, octuple hoghtoo = eighth hoght jeig = eighteen hoghtad = eighty hoght filley, hoght keayrtyn = eightfold oght-lhiatteeane, hoghtin = octagon hoght lhiatteeagh = octagonal hoght-choshagh = octopus
Gaulish	oxtu = eight oxtumetos = eighth
Proto-Brythonic	üiθ [yɨ̯θ] = eight üɨθβ̃ed = eighth
Cumbric	owera, hovera, haoves = eight
Old Welsh	oith = eight
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	uith, wyth, vyth, ỽyth, oeth [sei̯θ] = eight wythuet, wythued, ỽythuet = eighth wythnos, vythnos, ỽythnos = week petheunos, pytheonos, pethawnos = fortnight (two weeks)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyth [uːɨ̯θ/ʊi̯θ] = eight, octave, wythfed (8fed) [ˈʊɨ̯θvɛd/ˈʊi̯θvɛd] = eighth, one of eight wyth deg = eighty wythdegai = eighties wythawd = octet, octave wythblyg = octavo, eightfold, having eight parts wythnyn = eight persons, eight men wythochr = octahedron, octagon, octagonal wythnos [ˈʊɨ̯θnɔs] = week penwythnos = weekend pythefnos = fortnight (two weeks)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	eath = eight eathas = eighth eitag, eythek = eighteen
Cornish (Kernewek)	eth = eight ethves = eighth. octave etek = eighteen etegves = eighteenth
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	eith = eight
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	eiz = eight eizuet, aihuet, eizved = eighth eiz-ugeñt, heiz-ugent = 160 eiz-cognecq = octagonal eiz-cornecq = octagonal, octagon eizuet, aihuet, eizvet, eizved, eihvet = eighth éih dyad, ein-déad, eih-diat = about eight eizdezyeg, eizdeziek = weekly eizvedi = to divide into eight
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eizh = eight eizhved = eighth eikont = eighty (usually pevar-ugent) eizhkognek = octagonal

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *oḱtṓw (eight) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include eight, and words beginning with octa-/octo-, such as October, octane and octopus in English, and words related to eight in other Indo-European languages [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Merciful

9th June 20239th June 2023 By Simon

Words for merciful and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	trougokaros/trowkkaro- = merciful
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trócar = merciful trócaire = mercy
Middle Irish (Gaedhealg)	trócar, trócair, trocor = merciful, leniency trócaire, trocaire = mercy, leniency, equity, piety
Irish (Gaeilge)	trócaire [ˈt̪ˠɾˠoːkəɾʲə] = mercy, pity, compassion, clemency, leniency trócaireach = merciful, clement, lenient, compassionate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tròcair [trɔːxgɪrʲ] = mercy, pity, pardon, quarter tròcaireach [trɔːxgɪrʲəx] = merciful, compassionate tròcaireachd [trɔːxgɪrʲəxg] = mercifulness, compassion
Manx (Gaelg)	trocair = mercifulness, mercy, pity trocairagh = clement, lenient, merciful trocairaght = mercy trocairys = affection, clemency, leniency, mercifulness, ruth trocairaght = mercy trochoil = lenient trochoilys = leniency, mercifulness
Old Welsh	trucarauc = merciful, compassionate, kind
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trugar, trûgar = merciful, tender-hearted, compassionate trugaret, trugared = mercy, compassion, pity trigareddva = mercy-seat, throne (of God), mercy or reconcilliation trugarha, trukarhaa = to have mercy (on), be kind (to) forgive trugaraỽc, trugarock, trugaroc = merciful, compassionate, kind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trugar [ˈtrɨgar/ˈtrigar] = merciful, tender-hearted, compassionate trugaredd = mercy, compassion, pity, tender-heartedness, kindness, humanity, good will; paraphernalia, bits and pieces, knick-knacks trugareddfa = mercy-seat, throne (of God), mercy or reconcilliation trugareddol, trugareddus = merciful, compassionate trugarhaf, trugarhau = to have mercy (on), be kind (to) forgive trugarog = merciful, compassionate, kind, tender-hearted, gentle, humane, forgiving
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tregereth = compassion, pity, mercy, love
Cornish (Kernewek)	tregeredh = compassion, mercy, sympathy tregeredhus = sensitive, sympathetic
Old Breton	trugar = pitiful, wretched, miserable
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trugar = pitiful, wretched, miserable trugarez = pity, mercy, forgiveness, thanks, misery
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trugarez = thank you, mercy, clemency, indulgence trugarekaat = to thank, pity

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *trougos/*trowgo- (sorry, sad, wretched) and *-karos (loving) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Hexagonal

1st June 202318th June 2023 By Simon

Words for six and related things in Celtic languages:

Six

Proto-Celtic	swexs = six suexos = sixth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sé [sʲeː] = six seisser = six people séda = six things seissed [ˈsʲesʲeð] = sixth sesca [ˈsʲeska] = sixty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sé, se, sē = six seisser, seissiur, seissir = six people seissed, sesset, sesedh, seisedh = sixth, one of six sé déc = sixteen sesca, sescot, sescat = sixty
Irish (Gaeilge)	sé [ʃeː/ʃɛ/ʃə]= six (an) seú = sixth seisear = six people sé déag = sixteen seasca = sixty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sia [ʃia] = six (an) siathamh [ʃiə.əv] (6ᵐʰ) = sixth (6ᵗʰ) sianar [ʃianər] = six people sia deug = sixteen seasgad [ʃesgəd] = sixty sia-cheàrnach = hexagon
Manx (Gaelg)	shey = six, sextet sheyoo, (yn) çheyoo = sixth shey jeig = sixteen shey jeigoo = sixteenth shey keayrtyn = sextuple, six times shey pingyn = sixpence
Gaulish	suex = six suexos = sixth
Proto-Brythonic	hwex [ˈhwɛːx] = six hwexed [hwɛˈxɛːd] = sixth
Cumbric	sethera, hither = six
Old Welsh	chwech = six
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwech, whech, whe, hwech, chwe = six hhuechet, cchuehet, chwechet, whechet = sixth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwech [χweːχ/hweːχ] = six, sixpence chweched (6ed) [ˈχwɛχɛd/ˈχwɛχad] = sixth chwedeg = sixty chwedegfed = sixieth chwechant = six hundred chwecheiniog = sixpenny bit, sixpence
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huih, hweh, whéh = six hweffas, wheffes = sixth whehdeg = sixteen whehdegvas = sixteenth
Cornish (Kernewek)	hwegh = six hweghves, hweffes = sixth hwetek = sixteen hwetegves = sixteenth hweghmis = semester
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	chouech = six
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	huech, huec, c’huec’h, chouech, hueh = six huechuet, huehuet, c’huec’hved = sixth c’huezec, c’houezek = sixteen c’houezekved = sixteenth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hwec’h [ˈxwɛx] = six c’hwec’hvet = sixth c’hwezek = sixteen c’hwezekvet = sixteenth c’hwec’h-ugent = 120 (620) c’hwec’h-kement* = sextuple c’hwec’h-kogn = hexagon c’hwec’h-miz = semester

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European swéḱs (six). Words from the same PIE root include six, sextuple, and words beginning with hex-, such as hexagon in English, and words for six in other Indo-European languages [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Welsh (Kembraec)

Boats and Ships

Near and Close

Beaks and Snouts

Hundred

Twenty

Decades

Nine

Eightsome

Merciful

Hexagonal