slàinte
/ˈslaːnt͡ʃə/
The Gaelic phrase for 'a toast' is slàinte.
slàinte is used to express good wishes before drinking with others. It is commonly used as a standalone exclamation to mean 'Cheers!' when drinking with others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word slàinte literally means 'health'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈslaːntʃə/
Did you know?
- The word slàinte is a cognate of the word 'salut' in French and 'salud' in Spanish, all deriving from the Latin 'salus'.
- In some traditional settings, it is considered impolite to drink before the toast has been formally exchanged and eyes have been met.
- The word slàinte is a noun that can be used in everyday medical contexts to discuss a person's 'health' without any reference to alcohol.
Examples in context
- Thoir dhuinn slàinte!Give us a toast!This sentence is useful for requesting a toast using slàinte.
- Slàinte mhath!Good health!
Example conversation
Isla and Angus are clinking glasses at a dinner party.
- IslaSlàinte, Angus!Cheers, Angus!
- AngusSlàinte, Isla!Cheers, Isla!
- IslaGu robh thu gu math.May you be well.
- AngusTapadh leat!Thank you!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry slàinte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
