bòidheach
/ˈb̥ɔːjəx/
The English word beautiful is translated into Gaelic using several forms, primarily bòidheach. Wiktionary also lists àlainn and brèagha.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA |
|---|---|
| bòidheach | /ˈb̥ɔːjəx/ /ˈb̥uæ.əx/ |
| àlainn | /ˈaːl̪ˠɪɲ/ |
| brèagha | /ˈb̥ðia.ə/ (Lewis) /ˈb̥ɾʲia.a/ |
| fèilleil | |
| grinn | /ɡ̊ðẽĩɲ/ (Lewis) /ɡ̊ðɤ̃ĩɲ/ (Lewis) |
| maiseach | /maʃʲax/ |
| rìomhach | |
| sgèimheach |
All the provided terms are adjectives used to describe something as attractive or beautiful, but they are chosen based on what is being described.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean beautiful, àlainn is often used for something that is strikingly beautiful or lovely in a more intense or aesthetic sense than bòidheach. The word bòidheach is frequently used to describe people as handsome or attractive, as well as general beauty. For describing weather or days, such as a beautiful day, brèagha is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a standard sentence, these adjectives often follow the noun they describe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥ɔːjəx/
Did you know?
- The word brèagha used for a 'beautiful day' comes from the name of Brega, an ancient territory around the Hill of Tara. Calling something beautiful is essentially comparing it to a specific historical region in Ireland.
Examples in context
- 'S àlainn an gille bàn sin ann…!Beautiful is that flaxen-haired lad over there…!This sentence uses àlainn to describe a person.
- Tha là brèagha ann.It's a beautiful day.This sentence uses brèagha to describe a day.Tatoeba #4189002 by User66640, translation #318150 by CK
- Tha an taigh gu math bòidheach.The house is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are looking at a painting.
- FinlaySeall air an dealbh seo, Isla.Look at this picture, Isla.
- IslaTha e gu bòidheach, a Finlaigh.It is beautiful, Finlay.
- FinlayAn t-oilceil a thaisbeann an dath.The colors it shows are great.
- IslaIs e obair art sgoil a th' ann.It is a professional piece of art.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries bòidheach, àlainn, brèagha, grinn, maiseach, rìomhach, sgèimheach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brèagha, bòidheach, àlainn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
