aingeal
/ˈãjəl̪ˠ/masculine
The Gaelic word for angel is aingeal.
aingeal refers to a messenger from a deity.
Meaning: messenger from a deity (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun aingeal is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈãjəl̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- While English speakers often associate the word 'angel' with lightness, the deep linguistic roots of aingeal are connected to 'coal', suggesting a connection to something glowing or burning.
- In Gaelic folklore, the term aingeal is sometimes used to describe supernatural beings that are not strictly biblical, blending Christian theology with older Celtic beliefs about the spirit world.
- The word aingeal can be used metaphorically in Gaelic to describe a person who is exceptionally kind or helpful, regardless of their religious status.
Examples in context
- Is tusa aingealín mo chridhe.You are the little angel of my heart
- Chunnaic mi aingeal anns an t-sealladh.I saw an angel in the vision.
Example conversation
Catriona and Finlay are looking at a piece of art.
- CatrionaSeall air an aingeal seo, Finlay.Look at this angel, Finlay.
- FinlayTha e glè bhrèagha.It is very beautiful.
- CatrionaA bheil aingeal ann an eachra pìos?Is there an angel in another piece?
- FinlayChan eil, ach tha iad ionmhasach.No, but they are impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angel” translations and entries aingeal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aingeal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
