anam cara
anam cara is the Gaelic phrase for soul mate.
This phrase is used to describe a spiritual friend or a soul mate with whom a person shares a deep, trusting bond. It is often translated into English as soul friend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word anam, meaning soul and the word cara, meaning friend.
Did you know?
- The word anam shares a common ancestor with the English word 'animal', as both derive from the Latin 'anima' meaning breath or soul.
- In ancient Celtic tradition, the role of the anam cara functioned as a spiritual confessor before the formal adoption of the Catholic sacrament of confession.
- The word cara is a cognate of the Latin 'carus', which means 'dear' or 'beloved'.
Examples in context
- Is tusa mo anam cara.You are my soul mate.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a deep bond they share.
- HamishIs tú mo anam cara, a Isla.You are my soul mate, Isla.
- IslaIs fíor é, a Hamish.That is true, Hamish.
- HamishTá mé sáitheach leis an nasc seo.I am happy with this bond.
- IslaSmaoinigh mé an rud ceiling.I think the same thing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
