iechyd da
/ˌjɛχɨ̞d ˈdaː/
The Welsh way to say "cheers" when making a toast is iechyd da.
iechyd da is used as a toast when drinking.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good health".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌjɛχɨ̞d ˈdaː/
Did you know?
- In Wales, it is common to say iechyd da not just when drinking alcohol, but also when wishing someone a recovery from illness, as it literally means 'good health'.
- The word da in iechyd da is a cognate of the Irish word dea, showing the ancient link between the Goidelic and Brythonic branches of the Celtic languages.
- The 'ch' sound in iechyd is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the sound in the Scottish word 'loch' or the German 'Bach', rather than the 'ch' in 'church'.
Examples in context
- Iechyd da!Cheers!
- Iechyd da i bawb yn y neuadd.Cheers to everyone in the hall.
Example conversation
Two friends are raising their glasses at a small cafe.
- ElowenIechyd da, Owain!Cheers, Owain!
- OwainIechyd da, Elowen!Cheers, Elowen!
- ElowenYn braf i fod yma.It is nice to be here.
- OwainYn wir, mae'n wych.True, it is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries iechyd da, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, iechyd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
