bòidheach
/ˈb̥ɔːjəx/
The English word beautiful is translated into Gaelic as 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 |
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean beautiful, àlainn is the most common and versatile word for 'beautiful' or 'lovely' in everyday speech. bòidheach is often used to describe someone's appearance as being handsome or attractive, whereas àlainn is more general. brèagha is frequently used in set phrases to describe weather or days, such as 'Tha là brèagha ann' (It is a beautiful day).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥ɔːjəx/
Did you know?
- The word bòidheach comes from the word buaidheach, meaning 'having virtues'. In Gaelic, being beautiful is linguistically linked to possessing inner strengths or virtues.
- Gaelic has a wide variety of words for 'beautiful', such as maiseach and rìomhach, which allow speakers to specify if something is elegant, ornate or simply pretty.
Examples in context
- 'S àlainn an gille bàn sin ann…!Beautiful is that flaxen-haired lad over there…!This sentence shows how to use àlainn to describe a person.
- Tha là brèagha ann.It's a beautiful day.This sentence shows how to use brèagha when describing the weather.Tatoeba #4189002 by User66640, translation #318150 by CK
Example conversation
Angus and Mairead are looking at a painting.
- AngusA bheil an dealbh seo bòidheach?Is this picture beautiful?
- MaireadTha e glè bòidheach, a Angus.It is very beautiful, Angus.
- AngusIs toil leam an dath.I like the color.
- MaireadTha e sgoinneil.It is brilliant.
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.
