sláinte
/ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/
The English phrase "cheers" is translated into Irish as sláinte.
sláinte is the standard way to say cheers in Gaelic Irish when making a toast while drinking.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word sláinte literally means "health".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/
Did you know?
- The word sláinte shares the same root as the word slán, which is used when saying 'goodbye'.
- While 'cheers' in English can be used to say 'thank you', the Irish word sláinte is strictly reserved for toasts and health.
- The word sláinte is related to the Old Irish word for 'salvation', showing that the toast is not just about physical health but also spiritual well-being.
Examples in context
- Sláinte!Cheers!
- Sláinte mhaith!Good health (Cheers)!
- Sláinte chugat!Cheers to you!
Example conversation
Two friends are clinking glasses at a local pub.
- SiobhánSláinte, a Chonor!Cheers, Conor!
- ConorSláinte, a Shiobháin!Cheers, Siobhán!
- SiobhánAn bhfuil an bia maith?Is the food good?
- ConorTá sé go hiontach.It is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries sláinte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sláinte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
