Ceilidh Companions

17th August 202310th May 2025 By Simon

Words for companion, friend, ceilidh and related things in Celtic languages.

Ceilidh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye / Cèilidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Eilean Sgitheanach

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kēlyos = companion, servant
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚓᚂᚔ (celi) = follower, devotee (genitive)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céile [ˈkʲeːlʲe] = client, companion, husband, liege, servant, spouse, subject, vassal céilide [ˈkʲeːlʲiðʲe] = visit, visiting coicéile = companion, comrade, friend, friendship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céile, ceile, céli = servant, bondsman, vassal, subject, fellow, companion, husband céileachas = adultery céilide = visit, act of visiting coicéile, cocéle, coceli = vassal, bondsman, companion, fellow, friend coicéilsine, cocéilsine, cocélsine = fellowship, clientship
Irish (Gaeilge)	céile [ˈceːlʲə] = companion, spouse céileachas = companionship, cohabitation, copulation céilí = friend call, visit, social evening, Irish dancing session céilíoch = person fond of social visits, sociable person céilíocht = sociableness, companionableness céiliúil = companionable coigéile = mate, companion coigéilsine = fellowship, companionship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèile [kʲeːlə] = fellow, partner, significant other, spouse, counterpart cèile-còmhraige = opponent, antagonist cèile-pòsta = married partner (husband or wife) cèileach [kʲeːləx] = entertaining cèileachadh [kʲeːləxəɣ] = participating/sharing in, twinning, partnering (of a city) cèiliche [kʲeːlɪçə] = visitor cèilidh [kʲeːlɪ] = ceilidh, visit, (act of) visiting cèilidheach [kʲeːlɪjəx] = companionable, fond of company, sociable
Manx (Gaelg)	keilley = match dy cheilley = joined, together e cheilley = fellow ry-cheilley = en masse, together, with each other kaylee = ceilidh
Proto-Brythonic	*kuɨlð = servant, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cilit, cilid, kilid, kilyd = servant, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cilydd [ˈkɪlɨ̞ð/ˈkiːlɪð] = fellow, companion, neighbour, enemy, other cilyddol = reciprocal, mutual at ei gilydd = together gyda’i gilydd = together ei gilydd = each other o bryd i’w gilydd = from time to time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cele = companion, fellow, one of two
Cornish (Kernewek)	kila = companion
Old Breton	kiled = friend
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kile = the other (one), friend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kile = associate, stooge, colleague, sidekick

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Celtic word originally meant ‘wayfarer’, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (to settle, to be lying down) [source].

The English word ceilidh [ˈkeɪli] (an informal social gathering where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, with dancing and storytelling; a ceilidh dance; to dance a ceilidh) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic and/or from Irish [source]. Someone who attends a ceilidh is apparently a ceilidher [source].

The Welsh equivalent of a ceilidh is a twmpath, which also meanings hillock, knoll, mound, pile, gathering or assembly. It’s also a known as a twmpath dawns (folk-dance, barn dance, public dance) or noson lawen (“merry/joyful evening”). In Cornish a ceilidh is a troyll, which also means spiral or swirl, and in Breton they are known as fest-noz (“night party / ”) [source].

Proto-Celtic	karants = friend karantodyos = friendly
Gaulish	Caranto-, Carantōna = personal names Carantodios = personal name*
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cara [ˈkarɘ] = friend, relation, relative, kinsman cairdes = friendship, alliance, pact cairdine = friendship, alliance caratad = friendship, alliance caraid = to love
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cara, carae [ˈkarə] = friend cairdide = friendly caratrad = friendship, alliance cairdech, cairdeac, cairdeach = friendly, having many friends cairdes, cardes, cairdius = friendship, alliance, covenant, pact, relationship, kinship cairdemail [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly caraid, carad = to love caratrad, caratrid = friendship, alliane
Irish (Gaeilge)	cara [ˈkɑɾˠə / ˈkaɾˠə] = friend, relative anamchara = spiritual adviser, confidant, kindred spirit, soulmate cairdeach [ˈkɑːrdʲəx] = generous, friendly cairdeas = friendship cairdine = friendship, pact, truce cairdiúil [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly cairdiúlacht = friendliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caraid [karɪdʲ] = friend, relation, kinsman, Quaker càirde [kaːr̪dʲə] = friendship, entente càirdeas [kaːr̪dʲəs] = kinship, friendship, friendliness càirdeach [kaːr̪dʲəx] = kin, related, friendly
Manx (Gaelg)	carrey = friend, well-wisher caardys, caarjys = friendship, kin(ship), pedigree, blood relationship, allied to caarjoil = amiable, friendly, friendliness caarjysagh = friendly caarjysaght = friendliness
Proto-Brythonic	*kar [kar] = friend, relative
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kar, kereint, kerenhit, car, karant = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one keredic, keradwy, karatwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru, karu, kary = to love, woo, court carannawc = dear, beloved kerenhit, kerennyd, carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Welsh (Cymraeg)	câr [kaːr] = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one carad = loved caradwy, ceradwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru = to love, woo, court carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Old Cornish	car = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	car, câr, = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin, father caradow = beloved, loving, dear care = to love carense, cerense = love, friendship
Cornish (Kernewek)	kar = parent, relation, relative kara = to care for, like, love kardewder = loving-kindness karadow = beloved, fond, loveable, loving karder = loveliness, splender karer = boyfriend, lover kares = girlfriend, relation, relative, mistress (lover)
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	car = agreeable, dear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	car = friend, relative carantez = love caret = to love, cherish, desire
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kar [ˈkɑːr] = relative, friend karadegezh = kindness karadek [kaˈrɑːdek] = kind, nice, amiable karantegezh = affection, love karantek [kaˈrãntek] = affectionate, pleasant karantez [kaˈrãn.tɛs] = love karedig [kaˈreːdik] = lover, loving karout [ ˈkɑː.rut] = to love, cherish, desire karet [ˈkɑː.ret] = favourite, beloved

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *karāti (to love, desire), from *karos (dear, beloved), from Proto-Indo-European *kh₂-ró-s, from *keh₂- (to desire) &‎ *-rós (adjectival suffix) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include charity, cheer, and cherish in English, caro (dear, precious, expensive) in Italian, cher (dear(ly), expensive) in French, caro (dear, expensive) in Spanish, kär (in love, enamored, dear, beloved) in Swedish, and kær (dear, adorable, cute) in Danish [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	comhar [kõːɾˠ] = combined work, mutual assistance, co-operation, partnership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coimheart [kɔ̃jəRʃd] = companion
Manx (Gaelg)	commeeys = communion, connection, league, mess, participation, partnership, relations (between people)
Proto-Brythonic	*kumpar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kymar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cymar [ˈkəmar] = equal, peer, companion, mate, fellow, spouse, consort cymar bywyd = life partner cymhares = female partner, wife, mate, companion, equal cymharus = well matched, well paired, corresponding, matching, appropriate, fitting cymheiriaeth = a coupling together, partnership
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cespar = spouse, married person, mate
Cornish (Kernewek)	kespar / kespares = partner kesplegadow = compatible

Etymology (Brythonic words): from Latin compār (fellow, partner, equal [person], spouse), from con- (used to indicate being or bringing together), from cum (with), and pār (even, equal, like; companion, comrade, mate, spouse) [source]. The Goidelic words may come from different roots.

Words from the same roots include compare, pair, par (equal value) and peer in English, paar (pair, couple, some) in Dutch, and péire (pair) in Irish [source].

Proto-Brythonic	ko-u̯ekt- = companion, comrade, friend (?) ko-u̯ektii̯ŏ- = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	coueidid = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyueith, kyweith = companion, comrade, friend kiueithad = society, company, partnership kyweithaed = gathering, company kyweythas, kyweithas, keuey[th]as = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship kweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious kyweithit, ky()eithyd, kyweithyd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cywaith = companion, comrade, friend; association, harmony cyweithad = society, company, partnership cyweithäed = gathering, company cyweithas = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship, alliance, commerce; sociable, gentle, kindly cyweithasu = to associate, civilze, treat with courtesy cyweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious cyweith(i)asol = social, kind, gentle courteous cyweithydd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coweth, cowyth = companion, fellow, mate, comrade cowethas = company, society cowethe = company, sociery cowethes = female companion, help-mate cowetheyans = communion, fellowship cowethys = acquainted
Cornish (Kernewek)	koweth / kowethes = companion, comrade, friend, mate, peer kowethas = association, society kowethasek = social kowethegeth = friendship kowethek = friendly kowethus = gregarious kowethyades, kowethyas = colleague kowethyadow = socialable kowethyans = company, organisation

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *ko- (together, equal, similar) u̯ekt- (to move, go) [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

Booths

17th June 202317th June 2023 By Simon

Words for booths, huts and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*butā = place, dwelling, hut
Old Irish (Goídelc)	both [boθ] = hut, cabin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	both = hut, bothy, cot, cabin bothach = full of huts/hovels, hovel-like; crofter bothán = little hut, cabin, cottage
Irish (Gaeilge)	both [bˠɔ(h)/bˠoh]= booth, hut bothach = hutted, full of huts bothán = shanty, cabin, hut, shed, coop bothánach = given to visiting and gossiping bothánaí = a frequenter of neighbours’ houses bothánaíocht = (act of) visiting houses for pastime or gossip bothóg = shanty, cabin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bothan [bɔhan] = cottage, hut, bothy, hovel, shed bothag [bɔhag] = bothy, small hut, hovel, playhouse bùth [buː] = shop, booth bùthan [buː.an] = small booth, small bothy, tent bùthach [buː.əx] = pertaining to or abounding in shops/booths bùthanach [buː.anəx] = one who dwells in a small bothy or tent, tent-dweller
Manx (Gaelg)	bwaane = booth, cottage, hovel, hut, kiosk, outhouse, shack, shanty, shed bwaag = booth, bower, cabin, lodge, hut, pavilion, shed booage = booth, tent
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bod, bot, bôd = permanent home, dwelling place, residence, abode bwth = cabin, booth, cottage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bod = permanent home, dwelling place, residence, abode bwd = booth, cottage, cabin bwth = cabin, booth, cottage, shed, hut, outhouse, shack bwthyn = booth, cot, cottage, hut
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bod, bos, bo- = a dwelling house (found in place names) bôth = hut, booth bothoc = hut, cottage
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bôt, bod = residence, refuge, asylum
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bod = cottage, dwelling

Etymology: the Proto-Celtic word *butā might come from an unknown language, or from the same PIE root as booth [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic bùth and Welsh bwth): from the Middle English bothe (a store, kiosk, booth, shack, cabin), from the Old Norse búð (booth, shop), from the Proto-Germanic *bōþō/*bōþǭ (buidling, dwelling), from the PIE *bʰuH- (to become, grow, appear) [source].

Words from the same roots include búð (shop, tent, pavilion) in Icelandic, bothy (a primitive dwelling or shelter) in Scots, booth in English, Bude (booth, stall, kiosk, shack, hut) and Baude (mountain hut or inn) in German, bouda (hut, shack, lodge, cabin, booth, stall) in Czech, and bod (shed, shack, shop) in Swedish [source].

Incidentally, the German word Baude comes from Silesian German, from the Czech bouda, from the Old Czech būda, from Middle High German buode, from the Proto-Germanic *bōþō/*bōþǭ [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

Magic and Spells

22nd December 202210th June 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for magic, spells, charms, prayers and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*brixtā = spell, magical formula, incantation
Celtiberian	*bruxtia
Gaulish	brixtia
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bricht = charm, spell, incantation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bricht = incanation, charm, magic spell
Irish (Gaeilge)	briocht = charm, spell, amulet briocht sí = fairy charm briocht a chanadh = to chant a spell briocht draíochta = magic spell
Proto-Brythonic	*briθ [ˈbriːθ] = charm, incantation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleturith, lledrith, ledryth = magic, spell, charm, enchantment llethrithawc, lledrithyawc, lleturithawc = magic, magical, enchanted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lled(f)rith = magic, spell, charm, enchantment; apparition, spectre, phantom; illusion, delusion, fantasy, imagination lledrithaid = pretence, dissembling, deception lledrithiaf, lledrithio = to counterfeit, fake, pretend, simulate lledrithiog = magic, magical, enchanted
Old Breton	brith = charm, incantation (?)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bre = incantation, magic

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerHǵ- (enlighten). Words that probably come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Celtiberian *bruxtia, include bruja (witch, crone, hag, owl) in Spanish, bruxa (witch, hex) in Galician, bruxa (witch) in Portuguese, and bruixa (witch) in Catalan [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	druídecht, draídecht = magic, wizardry, secret lore and arts of the druids
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	druídecht, draídecht, dráoidheachd = secret lore and arts of the druids, occult science, wizardry
Irish (Gaeilge)	dríocht [ˈd̪ˠɾˠihaxt̪ˠə] = druidic art, druidism, witchcraft, magic, charm, enchantment draíochtach = magical, bewitching, entrancing draíochtúil = magic, magical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	draoidheachd [drɯjəxg] = magic, socery, druidism eun-draoidheachd = augury slat-draoidheachd = magic wand/td>
Manx (Gaelg)	druaight = charm, druid druaightagh = charmer, charming, druid, magician, occult druaightys = charming, druid, druidism, magic fo druaight = charmed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	derwyddiaeth [dɛrˈwəðjaɨ̯θ/dɛrˈwəðjai̯θ] = druidism, the druid cult
Cornish (Kerneweg)	drewydhieth = druidism
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouizelezh / drouiziezh = druidism

Etymology: these words come from the same roots as words for druid.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ortha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm oráit = prayer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ortha, órtha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm orthanach = of prayers, wont to pray oróit, oráit, oráid, oraoid = prayer, speech, oration anoráit, anóráid = curse
Irish (Gaeilge)	ortha = incantation, spell, charm, prayer im ortha = unsalted butter used in charm-cure óráid = oration, speech, address óráideach = oratorical, declamatory. óráidí = orator, speech-maker óráidíocht = oratory, speech-making
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ortha [ɔr̪ˠə] = incantation, (magical) prayer, amulet ortha-bhàis = death incantation ortha-ghràidh = love amulet / charm òraid [ɔːrɪdʲ] = address, speech, lecture, talk òraidiche [ɔːrɪdʲɪçə] = lecturer, orator, speechmaker òraidearachd = oratory talla-òraid = lecture hall / theatre
Manx (Gaelg)	oraid = address, oration, speech oraatagh = orator, speaker, oratorial oraataght = oration
Proto-Brythonic	*arọd = prayer, oration
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	araut = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araỽd, arawt, araỽt, arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration, utterance, report, eulogy, prayer arawduriaeth = oratory, rhetoric
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	areth = speech, oration
Cornish (Kerneweg)	areth = lecture, oration, speech arethek = rhetorical arethor, arethores = lecturer, orator, speaker arethva = platform arethya = to lecture

Etymology: from Latin ōrātiō (speech, discourse, language, oration), from ōrō (to speak as an orator, plead, pray) from Latin ōs, ōris (mouth), or from Proto-Indo-European *h₂er- (to pronounce a ritual) [source].

The words for prayer and oration come from this Latin root, and the words for charm and incantation may do as well [source]. The Brythonic words come via Vulgar Latin *arātiō [source].

Words from the same roots include oration in English, oración (oration, sentence, clause, prayer) in Spanish, and oratorio (oratory, oratorio, oratorical, solemn) in Italian.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sén = blessing, charm, incantation, omen, prosperity, sign, snare sénaid = to bless, charm (with spell), deny, reject, repudiate, sign
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sén, seon, seún, sena, séna = sign, omen, augury, portent, incantation, charm, blessing, good luck, prosperity, happiness sénaid, seanaidh = to mark with a sign, bless, put a spell on, put a charm on
Irish (Gaeilge)	séan [ʃeːnˠ] = sign, omen, good luck, prosperity; to mark with a sign, to bless séanaire = diviner, augur séanaireacht = divination, augury
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seun [ʃiən] = charm, magic invocation, protective spell seunach [ʃiənəx] = charming, enchanting, charm-like seunadair [ʃiənədɪrʲ] = enchanter seunadaireachd [ʃiənədɪrʲəxg] = conjuring, enchanting seunail [ʃiənal] = charmed, magical, happy, prosperous seunmhorachd [ʃiənvərəxg] = magical power(s) seunta [ʃiən̪ˠdə] = charmed, enchanted seuntachan [ʃiəndəxan] = charm, enchantment
Manx (Gaelg)	sheean = charm, fortune
Proto-Brythonic	*suɨɣn = spell, incantation (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	swyn, suen, = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyno, suyno = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch swynedig, sỽynedic, swynedic = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	swyn [suːɨ̯n / sʊi̯n] = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyn(i)o = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch, divine, bless, protect swynaidd = charming, enchanting swynedig = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy swynwr, swynydd = sorcerer, magician, bewitcher, soothsayer swynyddiaeth = sorcery, witchcraft, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sona, sone = to bless, hallow, sanctify, consecrate, charm zona = to charm, hallow
Cornish (Kerneweg)	sona = to bless, charm sonell = charm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	saouzan = disorientation, bewilderment, stupor, hypnosis saouzanan, saouzanañ = to disorientate, hypnotise, go astray, misplace saouzanidigezh = hypnotism saouzanus = hypnotic

Etymology: from Latin signum (sign, mark, signal, miracle), from Proto-Italic *seknom (sign, statue), from Proto-Indo-European *sek- (to cut) or *sekʷ- (to follow). [source].

Words from the same roots include sign and signal in English, seña (sign, indication, gesture) and sino (destiny, fate, lot) in Spanish, and Segen (blessing) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	soitos. soyto- = magic
Proto-Brythonic	hʉd = magic, charm hʉdol* = charming, illusory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hut, hud = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft hûdadwy, hydadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hud [hɨːd/hiːd] = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft, spell, enchantment, charm, fascination, allurement, persuasion hudadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible hudaf, hudo = to fashion or produce by magic, conjure, cast a spell upon, enchant, charm, entice, allure, persuade, seduce, beguile hudaidd = alluring, charming, seductive hudol = charming, enchanting, enticing, alluring, illusory, deceptive, deceitful
Old Cornish	hudol = charming, illusory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huder = a deceiver, hypocritic, juggler, sorcerer hudol = sorcerer
Cornish (Kerneweg)	hus = charm, enchantment, illusion, magic, sorcery, spell husa = to charm, create an illusion, enchant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hud = magic hudek, hudel = magic, magical hudiñ = to charm, enchant, bewitch, delight hudour = magician, wizard hudouriezh = magic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hud = magic hudek = magic, magical hudour = magician, wizard

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-Etymology *sh₂oy-tó-s (magic), from *sh₂ey (to bind, fetter) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include seiður (magic, witchcraft, sorcery) in Icelandic, sejd (sorcery, witchcraft, magic potion) in Swedish, and seid (magic) in Norwegian [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pis(e)óc = charm, spell, sorcery, witchcraft
Irish (Gaeilge)	piseog = charm, spell, superstition piseogach = practising charms or spells, superstitious piseogacht = superstitious practices piseogaí = charm-setter, superstitious person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pisreag [ʃiən] = charm, spell, ensorcellment, sorcery, superstition
Manx (Gaelg)	pishag = charm, incantation, spell, witchcraft pishagagh = incantatory, magical, sorcerer, superstitious pishagys = enchantment, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pystyc = witchery, magic, sorcery pystry = witchcraft, magic, sorcery
Cornish (Kerneweg)	pystri = magic, sorcery pystrier = sorcerer, warlock, wizard pystriores = sorcereress

Etymology: probably from Latin pyxis (a small box, for holding medicines or toiletries), from Ancient Greek πυξίς (puxís – box, tablet, cylinder), from πῠ́ξος (púxos – boxwood) [source]. The Hibero-English word piseog (an evil spell, curse) comes from the same roots, via Irish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	airnigde [ˈar͈ʲn͈ʲiɣʲðʲe] = prayer, praying ar·neget = to pray
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	airnigde, airnaigde, airna(i)gthe, urnaidhi, urnaith = praying, prayer airnaigid, ernaigit = to pray airnaigthech, ernaigtech, urnaigtheach = prayerful, devout
Irish (Gaeilge)	urnaí [uːɾˠˈn̪ˠiː / ˈʌɾˠn̪ˠi] = praying, prayer urnaitheach = prayful, devout
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ùrnaigh [ur̪ˠn̪ʲɪ] = praying, prayer ùrnaigheach [ur̪ˠn̪ʲijəx] = pertaining to or abounding in prayers
Manx (Gaelg)	yeearree = prayer, request, urge, wish, desire, aspiration; to solicit, importune yeearreeagh = wistful, soliciting, yearning

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	paitir, paidear = the Lord’s Prayer, paternoster
Irish (Gaeilge)	paidir [ˈpˠɑdʲəɾʲ / ˈpˠædʲəɾʲ] = Paternoster, prayer An Phaidir, Paidir an Tiarna = the Lord’s Prayer paidreoireacht = praying paidrín = Rosary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	paidir [padʲɪrʲ] = the Lord’s Prayer, Pater Noster, rosary
Manx (Gaelg)	padjer [ˈpaːʒər] = prayer, devotion Padjer y Çhiarn = the Lord’s Prayer goaill padjer = to pray, prayer

Etymology: from Latin pater (father), the first word of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin (Pater noster) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Second Others

16th June 202216th June 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for second or other and related things in Celtic languages.

Second, Other

Proto-Celtic	*alyos [ˈal.jos] = other, second
Leptonic	𐌀𐌋𐌉𐌏𐌔 (alios) = second, other
Gaulish	allos, alos = second, other
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aile = other, second indala [in͈ˈdala] = other (of two)
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	aile, oile, eile = other, second, another indala = one (of two), less often, the other, later, the second
Irish (Gaeilge)	eile [ˈɛlʲə] = other, another, next, more, else dara [ˈd̪ˠɑɾˠə / ˈd̪ˠaɾˠə] = second (2ⁿᵈ), next, other
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eile [elə] = other, another, else eileadh [eləɣ] = other eilich [elɪç] = alienate eileachadh = (act of) alienating, alienation, othering dala [dal̪ˠə] = second (2ⁿᵈ)
Manx (Gaelg)	elley = other, else, another, additional, alternative derrey = second in command, till, pending yn derrey = second (2ⁿᵈ)
Proto-Brythonic	*ėl [ˈe̝ːlˑ] = second, other
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ail, eil, eyl = second, other
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ail [ai̯l] = second, like, similar, equivalent, equal; son, grandson, heir, descendant; helper, supporter ailgylchu = to recycle eilaidd = secondary eilfed = second (number) eilaid = second (of time)
Middle Cornish	eil = second, another
Cornish (Kernewek)	eyl = one of two, second eyla = to second eylafinans = refurbishment eylgelghya = to recycle eylskrifa = to copy
Middle Breton)	eil = second
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eil [ˈɛjl] = second eilvet = second (number) eilad = second, copy, reproduction eilañ = to accompany, copy eiladiñ = to duplicate eiladuriñ = to reproduce, reproduction

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂élyos (other, another), from *h₂el- (beyond, other) [source]. The Old Irish word indala, which is the root of the Irish dara, the Scottish Gaelic dala and the Manx derrey, comes from the Old Irish ind (the) and aile (second) [source]..

Some words from the same PIE roots include else, all and ultra in English, al (all, all of) in Dutch, eller (else, otherwise) in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, and այլ (ayl – another, other) in Armenian [source].

Lead (Metal)

14th June 202214th June 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for lead (metal) and related things in Celtic languages.

Cwmystwyth Lead Mine, Ceredigion, Cymru

Proto-Celtic	*ɸloudom = lead (metal)
Gaulish	*laudon = lead (metal)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lúaide = lead (metal)
Irish (Gaeilge)	luaidhe [ˈl̪ˠuːiː] = lead (metal), (sounding-) lead, plummet, (fishing) sinker luaidhiúil = lead-like, leaden luaidhnimh = lead-poisoning peann luaidhe = pencil
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	luaidhe [l̪ˠuəjə] = lead (metal), leaden luaidheach = leaden peann-luaidhe = pencil
Manx (Gaelg)	leoaie = lead (metal), leaden, sounding lead penn leoaie = pencil

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *plewd- (to fly, flow, run), from *plew- (to fly, flow, run), from the Proto-West Germanic *laud [source].

Some words from the same PIE root include fleet, float, flood and pneumonia in English, vlieten (to flow) in Dutch, fließen (to flow) in German, flyte (to float, flow) in Swedish [source].

The English word lead comes from the Middle English le(e)d (lead) from the Old English lēad (lead) from the Proto-West-Germanic *laud (lead), from the Gaulish *laudon (lead) [source], and words for lead in other Germanic language languages come from the same root [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*plum = lead (metal)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pluum, plwm = lead (metal)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plwm [plʊm] = lead (metal); mass or ball of lead, plumb, plummet, straight(ness), vertical(ness) plymaidd = leaden, lead-like, heavy, oppressive, worthless plymen = lead weight, plummet, sheet, of lead plymio = to sound (for depth), fathom, dive, plunge, plummet; to cover or solder with lead, line (pottery) with lead, glaze plymwr = plumber, dealer/worker in lead, plunger, diver plymliw = lead-coloured, blackish-blue, greyish blue, pale blue
Cornish (Kernewek)	plomm, plobm = lead (metal) plommer = plumber plommwedhek = vertical pyncel plomm = pencil
Breton (Brezhoneg)	plom = lead (metal) plomek = lead(en) plomer = plumber plomerezh = plumbing

Etymology: from the Latin plumbum (lead, pencil), may be borrowed from Etruscan, Iberian or some other pre-Indo-European Mediterranean substrate language [source].

Some words from the same Latin root include plumb (truly vertical, as indicated by a plumb line) in English, piombo (lead, grey, bullet) in Italian, plomb (lead, fuse, sinker) in French, and Plombe (seal, filling) in German [source].

Tin

2nd June 202217th August 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for tin and related things in Celtic languages.

Botallack tin mine in Cornwall

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*stagnos = tin
Gaulish	*stagnom = tin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	stán [mʲeːnʲ] = tin, tin vessel
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stán, stan, sdán, sdan = tin
Irish (Gaeilge)	stán = tin, tin vessel stánach = tin-bearing, stannic stánadóir = tinner, tinsmith stánadóireacht = tin-work, (act of) tinkering stánaigh = to tin, to coat with tin, to pack in tin(s) stáncheárta = tinworks stánphláta = tin-plate stántáirgeach = tin-bearing stánúil = tinny, stannous feadóg stáin = tin whistle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	staoin [sdɯːn̪ʲ] = tin, pewter stàin [sdɯːn̪ʲ] = tin stànadair = tinsmith, tinker staoinseil = tinsel fìdeag-staoin = tin whistle muileann-staoin = tin mill sgragall-staoine = tinfoil
Manx (Gaelg)	stainney = tin, can, tin-plate stainnagh = tin-bearing stainnaghey = to tin-plate stainneyder = tin-miner stainnit = tin-plated stainn-oshleyder, fosleyder stainney = tin-opener feddan (stainney) = tin whistle, flageolot gaaue stainney = tinner, tinsmith
Proto-Brythonic	*staɨn = tin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	stain, ystain, staen, ystaen = tin, pewter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)staen [ˈ(ə)staɨ̯n] = tin, pewter ystaenaid, staenaid = tinned, tin ystaenwr, ystaeniwr = pewterer, tinsmith
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	stean, stên = tin stener, stynnar = a tinner, a pewterer
Cornish (Kernewek)	sten [stɛːn / steːn] = tin stenek = tin ground, stannary stenor = tinner sten du = tin ore poll sten = tin pit
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	sten = tin
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	sten, stean, staen = tin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	staen [ˈstɛːn] = tin staenañ = to tinplate staenek = stannic (of or containing tin) staenus = stannous (of or containing tin)

Etymology: probably from the Proto-Indo-European *sth₂gʰ-nó-s (standing, firm), from *steh₂-gʰ- + *-nós, from *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

The Latin word stannum (an alloy of silver and lead; tin) was borrowed from the Gaulish *stagnom, and words for tin in Romance languages developed from this, including étain in French, stagno in Italian, and estaño in Spanish [source].

The scientific abbreviation for tin is Sn, from the Latin stannum. The old Latin name for tin was plumbum candidum (white lead) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tiona = tin (container, metal) á tiona = tinned, from a tin crogan-tiona = tin can
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tynn, tin, tinn = tin, tin plate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tun, tyn = tin (metal / container), tin plate, tin can tunio, tuniaf = to tin, coat with tin, seal in a tin tun tân = blower, metal plate placed before an open fire to increase the draught tun te = tin used by workmen to carry leaf tea (and sugar) to work

Etymology: from the English tin, from the Middle English tin, tyn(e), tynne (tin), from the Old English tin (tin), from the Proto-Germanic *tiną (tin), probably from a pre-Indo-European language [source].

Words for tin in Germanic languages come from the same Proto-Germanic root, including tin in Dutch, Zinn in German, tenn in Swedish, and tinn in Norwegian, as do words for tin in some Slavic and Finno-Ugric languages [source].

Iron

27th May 202227th May 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for iron and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*īsarnom = iron
Old Irish (Goídelc)	íarn [iːa̯rn] = iron
Irish (Gaeilge)	iarann [ˈiəɾˠən̪ˠ] = iron (element, appliance, golf club); iron part of a tool; brass (money) amhiarann, iarnmhian = iron ore iarann rocach = corrugated iron iaranach = irons, iron implements, fetters, ploughshare iaranaigh = to put in irons, fit, cover with iron iaranaí = (made of) iron, iron-hard iaranáil = to iron (clothes) iarnmhangaire = ironmonger iarannaois = the Iron Age iarna = hardware iarnród = railway iarnúil = iron-like, ferrous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iarann [iər̪ˠən̪ˠ] = iron, (metal) blade; day’s worth cutting peat (for two) iarnaidh = ferrous, iron-hard, iron-coloured, stingy iarnaigeadh, iarnachadh = (act of) ironing iarnair = ironmonger iarainn-tàthainn, iarann-sobhdraidh = soldering iron iarann-dreasaigidh = clothes iron iarann mòlltaichte = cast iron iarann preasach = corrugated iron rathad-iarainn = railway
Manx (Gaelg)	yiarn = iron; tool, scythe, blade; dough (money); tip (gratuity) yiarnagh = ferric yiarnal = iron, ironing yiarneyder = ironmonger yiarnrey = hardware yiarnaghey, yiarney = to cover with iron, to iron yiarnoil = ferrous
Proto-Brythonic	*hijarn = hard, hard metal, iron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heirn, hyarn, heyrn, hayarnn, haearn = iron
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haearn = iron, iron bar, hardness, strength, resoluteness, hard, strong, unyielding; sword, spear, lance; iron armour, coat of mail; fetters, shackles; branding-iron, pincers; flat-iron; spur haearnaidd = like iron, ferrous; strong, hard, callous, oppressive haearneiddio = to harden, make (one) unfeeling or callous haearnol = of iron, iron-like, hard, unfeeling, rigid, stern haearnwr = ironmonger, ironworker haearn bwrw = cast iron haearn gwaith = wrought iron haearn gwrymiog = corrugated iron
Middle Cornish	heorn, horn, hôrn = iron
Cornish (Kernewek)	horn = iron hornek = ferric, iron hornell = iron (for clothes) hornella = to iron horner = ironmonger horn margh = horseshoe hyns horn = railway
Old Breton	hoiarn = iron
Middle Breton	houarnn = iron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	houarn [ˈhuː.arn] = iron; flat iron; horseshoe houarnek = ferric houarnus = ferrous houarnaj = scrap iron houarnajer = scrap merchant houarnañ = to shoe (a horse) houarn-marc’h = horseshoe houarn da zistennañ = iron (for clothes) hent-houarn = railway

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: probably from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁ēsh₂r̥no- (bloody, red), from *h₁ésh₂r̥ (blood) [source].

Words for iron in Germanic languages come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Proto-Germanic *īsarną (iron), including iron in English, ijzer in Dutch, Eisen in German, and järn in Swedish [source].

Words for blood in Romance languages come from the same PIE root, via the Latin sanguīs (blood, descent, progeny, family), including sang in Catalan and French, sangue in Italian and Portuguese, and sangre in Spanish, and also the English word sanguine (blood red; warm, optimistic, confident) [source].

Mysterious Secrets

13th January 20225th May 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for secret and mystery, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Secret words

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rūnā = secret, mystery, magic
Gaulish	Cobrunus = personal name com(b)runos = (?)
Leptonic	Runatis = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rún [r͈uːn] = mystery, secret rúnde [ˈr͈uːn͈de] = mysterious, mystical
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rún, rúun, rúin = something hidden or occult, a mystery, mystic or hidden meaning, a secret, secret thoughts or wishes, intention, purpose, design
Irish (Gaeilge)	rún [ɾˠuːnˠ] = mystery, secret, intention, purpose, resolution, love, affection rúnach = darling, sweetheart; runic, secret, mysterious rúnaí = secretary, confidant, secretary-bird rúnchara = confidant(e) rúnda = mystical, mysterious, secret, confidential rúndacht = secrecy rúnmhar = close, secretive rúnscríbhin = runic script, secret writing, cipher comhrún = joint secret, common intent
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rùn [r̪ˠuːn] = secret, intention, design, resolution, motive, purpose, desire, love rùnach = secretarial, mysterious, mystical, beloved, runic rùnag = small secret, dearie, sweetie rùnaire = secretary rùinean = small secret, quietly co-rùn = collusion
Manx (Gaelg)	roon = rune roon-screeu = cipher roonagh = runic
Proto-Brythonic	*rrin = mystery
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rin = mystery, charm
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhin [r̥iːn] = secret, mystery, miracle; privacy, intimacy, intercourse; enchanment, magic spell, charm, sorcery, witchcraft, rune; virtue, attribute, property, quality, essence; secret, private, mysterious, occult rhin(i)af / rhin(i)o = to whisper, speak secretly, charm, enchant, secrete rhiniwr = charmer, enchanter, sorcerer, magician rhinaidd = obscure, profound, enchanting rhinwedd = virtue, rectitude, moral excellence, nature, quality cyfrin = mysterious, esoteric; mystic, mystery, secret. cyfrinach = secret, mystery, deliberation
Cornish (Kernewek)	rin = mystery kevrin(ek) = secret
Middle Breton	queffrin = secret queffrinez = mystical spirit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rin [rĩːn] = secret, mystery, arcane kevrin [ˈkeː.vrĩn] = secret, mystery kevrin(ad)egezh = mysticism kevrinek, kevrinus [keˈvrĩːnek / ke.ˈvrĩː.nys] = mystical, mysterious, occult, secret

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *rewHn-, from *rewH-/*rēwH- (to roar, grumble, murmur, mumble, whisper). The Proto-Germanic word *rūnō (secret, mystery, rune) and related words in modern Germanic languages, including rune in English and Dutch, and runa (rune) in Swedish, possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic root, or from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	kowdo- = hiding place, concealment koudeti = hide
Proto-Brythonic	*kʉðɨd = to hide
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cud = concealment, covering, hidden
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cudd [kɨð/kɪð] = concealment, hiding-place, secrecy, covering, veil; concealed, hidden, dark, hiding cuddedig = hidden, concealed, unknown, covered,mysterious, secret, dark cuddfa = hiding-place, retreat, hoard cuddiad = a hiding, concealment, secret cuddio = to hide, conceal, bury, cover
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cudhe, cidha, citha, cudhb = to hide, conceal, cover cudhygyc = one that conceals himself, bashful, ashamed
Cornish (Kernewek)	kudh = concealed, hidden, secret kudha (rag) = to conceal, hide (from) kudhlen = cover, veil kudhoberys = underhand kudhva = hideout, lair kudhys = veiled
Middle Breton	cuzaff = secret, confidential
Breton (Brezhoneg	kuzh = secret, confidential kuzh(iadell) / toull-kuzh = hiding place kuzhat = to hide (oneself) kuzhet = masked kuzhadur = eclipse, blanking, concealment kuzhuter = confidant(e)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewdʰ- from *(s)kewH- (to hide, cover, wrap). Words from the same roots include custodian, hide, house, hut and sky in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sanestos = secret (advice), whisper, counsel, history
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sana(i)s = advice, counsel, whisper, privacy
Irish (Gaeilge)	sanas [ˈsˠanˠasˠ] = whisper, hint, suggestion, gloss, glossary sanasaí = etymologist sanasaíocht = etymology
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sanas [ˈsanəs] = notice, sign, signal, warning, hint, cue, whisper sanasach = warning, hinting
Manx (Gaelg)	sannish = whisper, hint, allusion, suggestion sansheraght = to whisper, annunciate, speak under breath, whispering
Proto-Brythonic	*hanes = history, secret
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hanes = history, secret
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hanes [ˈhanɛs/ˈhanas] = history, chronicle, tale, account, narrative, record, report, intelligence; secret, mystery, whisper, murmur hanesaf / hanesu = to narrate/write history hanesydd = historian, historiographer, chronicler
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hanas = a low sound, whisper
Cornish (Kernewek)	hanas = groan, murmur, sigh, whisper hanasa = to groan, murmur, sigh, whisper

Etymology: uncertain [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Bread

24th April 202125th April 2021 By Simon

Words for bread and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ar(-akno)- = bread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	arán [ˈaraːn] = bread, loaf of bread
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	arán [ˈaraːn] = bread
Irish (Gaeilge)	arán [əˈɾˠɑːn̪ˠ / ˈaɾˠanˠ] = bread arán baile = home-baked bread arán bán = white bread, baker’s bread arán coirce = oatbread, oatcake arán donn, arán rua = brown bread arán prátaí = potato cake
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aran [aɾan] = bread, loaf; livelihood, sustenance aran-coircearan-donn, aran ruadharan-eòrnaaran milisaran-seagail
Manx (Gaelg)	arran = bread arran Albinagh = shortbread arran bainney = bread roll arran bane = white bread arran dhone, arran ruy = brown bread arran greddan(it) = toast arran shoggyl = rye bread

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *arankā- (grain) [source].

Proto-Celtic	bargo / baragenā / *barginā = cake, bread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	barigen [ˈˈbarʲ.ɣʲən] = bread, loaf of bread
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairín = loaf bairín breac = barmbreac
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bairghin = bread, cake
Manx (Gaelg)	berreen = cake
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bara [ˈbara / ˈbaːra] = bread, loaf, slice; food, meal, sustenance, livelihood bara barlys = barley bread bara beunyddiol = daily bread bara brith = currant bread bara byr = buscuit bara ceirch = oat bread, oatcake bara coch = brown bread, barley bread bara drwg = bad bread, bad state, difficulties bara gwyn = white bread bara lawr = laverbread (made with edible seaweed) bara poeth = gingerbread, hot bread
Old Cornish	bara = bread
Cornish (Kernewek)	bara = bread bara byghan/bian = roll bara gwaneth = wheaten bread bara leun = wholemeal bread bara sugal = rye bread
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bara [ˈbɑː.ra] = bread bara bis = brown bread bara brazed = wholemeal bread bara brizh = currant bread bara gwenn = white bread bara kras = toast

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰars- (spike, prickle). Words from the same root include the English barley, the Scots bere/beir (barley), the Swedish barr (pine/fir needle), the Icelandic barr (pine needle), the Old Norse barr (corn, grain, barley), and the Latin far (spelt, coarse meal, grits), and words for flour in Romance languages, such as farine in French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

You can find the origins of the English words bread and loaf on Radio Omniglot.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Water

5th March 202114th October 2024 By Simon

Words for water and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dubros = water, dark dubrokū = otter (“water dog”) *dubro-jarā = water-hen
Gaulish	Dubra, Uerno-dubrum = names of rivers
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dobur [ˈdovur] = water, river doburchú [ˈdovurˌxuː] = otter (“water dog”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dobrán = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	dobhar = water; flood, torrent; darkness, dullness, obscurity dobhartha = watery, wet; dull, gloomy. dobharchú = otter (“water dog”) dobharchlog = water clock dobhardhroim = watershed dobhareach = hippopotamus dobharlí = water-colour dobhrán = otter; dull-witted, stupid, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dobhar [do.ər] = water (archaic) dobhar-chù [do.ərxu] = otter, beaver (“water dog”) dobhar-lus [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = (water)cress dòbhran [dɔːran] = otter
Manx (Gaelg)	dooarchoo = otter, beaver (“water dog”) doour = reservoir, dam
Proto-Brythonic	duβr = water düβrgi = otter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwfyr [ˈduvər] = water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dŵr [duːr], dwfr [dʊvr] = water; urine; pus dyfrgi, dwrgi = otter (“water dog”) dyfrgiad = watering, irrigation, urination dyfrio, dyfru = to water, to irrigate, to run, to urinate dyfrig = dripping, foaming (of a horse) dyfraidd = aqueous, waterish, aquatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	dowr [doʊɹ] = water; river dowrgi = otter (“water dog”) dowra = to water dowrhe = to irrigate dowrvagh = hippopotamus dowrliw = water-colour
Middle Breton	dour = water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dour [ˈduːr] = water; rain, tears, sweat, saliva dourgi = otter (“water dog”) douraerouant = hydra dourliv, dourlivadur = water-colour dournijerez = seaplane, flying boat, hydroplane

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubrós (dark) from *dʰewb- (deep). The River Douro in Portugual, which is called the Duero in Spain, gets its names from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Latin Dūrius. The River Dubra in Galicia in the northwest of Spain also gets its name from Proto-Celtic *dubros, as does the English town Dover, and French towns such as Douvres-la-Délivrande in the department of Calvados in Normandy, and Douvres in the department of Ain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include deep, dip, dope and possibly abyss in English, dubra (puddle) in Latvian, debra (gorge, ravine) in Slovak, debrza (dell, dingle) in Polish, and döpa (to baptize, name, christen) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*udenskyos = water
Old Irish (Goídelc)	uisce [ˈusʲkʲe] = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	uisce [ˈɪʃk̟ɪ] = water; rain, tears, saliva uisceadán = aquarium uiscebhealach = waterway uiscedhath = watercolour uiscedhíonach = waterproof uisce-obach = watertight uiscerian = aqueduct uiscigh = to water, irrigate uisciú = irrigation uisce beatha = (Irish) whiskey
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uisge [ɯʃgʲə] = water; rain; river (in place names) uisgeadan [ɯʃgʲədan] = aquarium; body of water uisge-dhath, dath-uisge = watercolour uisge-dhìonach = waterproof, impervious; watertight uisgrian = aqueduct fuar-uisge = cold rain, cold water slighe-uisge = waterway uisgich [ɯʃgʲɪç] = to water, irrigate uisgeachadh [ɯʃgʲəxəɣ] = watering, irrigation uisge-beatha = (Scottish) whisky
Manx (Gaelg)	ushtey [ˈuʃtʲə] = water ushteydane = aquarium bollagh ushtey, coorse ushtey, raad ushtey = waterway ammyr ushtey, droghad ushtey = aqueduct ushtaghey = to water, irrigate, steep, watering irrigation ushtey bea = whisk(e)y

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *udén, from *wódr̥ (water). The English word whiskey comes from Irish uisce beatha (whiskey), and whisky comes from Scottish Gaelic uisge-beatha (whisky): the former is used in Ireland, England and the USA, while the latter is used in Scotland, Canada and Australia [source].

Words from the same PIE root include water, undulation, inundation and vodka in English, Wasser (water) in German, onda (wave) in Spanish, vanduõ (water, current, flow) in Lithuanian, and woda (water, flood) in Polish [source].

Proto-Celtic	sālos = saltwater saleinos = salt
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sál [saːl], sáile [ˈsaːlʲe] = salt water, brine, seawater; sea, ocean (poetic)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sál, sal, sāil = the sea, ocean, seawater, brine
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáile [ˈsˠɑːlʲə] = sea water, sea, salt water, brine loch sáile = sea-water loch, lagoon thar sáile = overseas
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàl, sàile = the sea, sea water, salt water
Manx (Gaelg)	sailley = salt water
Proto-Brythonic	*salī = salt, sea water
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hely, heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hâl [haːl] = salt, salty, saline, akaline heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea helïad = a salting, seasoning helïo = to salt, preserve, pickle, season helïaidd = salty, briny, saline, brackish
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hyly = brine, salt water, sea water
Cornish (Kernewek)	hyli = salt water
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hili, hyli = brine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hal = salt water, salt hili = brine, strong sauce

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *séh₂ls (salt) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include salt, saline (containing salt, salty) and salad in English, sel (salt) in French, sal (salt) in Spanish, sůl (salt) in Czech, and suola (salt) in Finnish [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bùrn [buːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = (fresh) water, amount of water, (act of) raining bùrn-éirigh = spring water bùrn-iarainn = mineral water bùrn mìn = fine drizzle

Etymology from the Scots burn (a small river), from the Middle English bourne (small stream), from the Old English burne, burna (spring, fountain), from Proto-Germanic *brunnô (stream, brook). the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrun- (a bubbling forth; a fountain, wellspring, source) [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Swedish (svenska)

Ceilidh Companions

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