eudail
/ˈeːt̪al/feminine
In Gaelic, the word for darling is eudail. Wiktionary also lists luaidh.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| eudail | /ˈeːt̪al/ | feminine |
| luaidh | /l̪ˠuəj/ | feminine, masculine |
The term is used as an affectionate term of address to refer to a person who is very dear to someone. You can also use the related adjective ionmhainn to describe someone or something as being very dear, beloved, cherished or a favourite.
Which one should you use?
While eudail is a feminine noun, the form luaidh can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects and is specifically colloquial. Additionally, A rùin can be used to mean darling or sweetheart and A gràidh translates to my love.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
eudail is a feminine form. For a more colloquial style, you might use luaidh. The forms A rùin and A gràidh are both informal ways to address someone affectionately.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːt̪al/
Did you know?
- Despite being a term of affection, the historical roots of eudail can be traced back to words meaning 'profit' or 'wealth' in Old Irish.
- In Gaelic, the vocative case is used for direct address, which is why terms like A rùin and A gràidh begin with the particle A.
Examples in context
- m' eudail air do shùilean donnaMy darling, I love your brown eyesThis sentence shows how to use eudail in an affectionate expression regarding eyes.
- m' eudailMy darling, my dearThis sentence demonstrates the simple use of eudail as a term of endearment.
Example conversation
Catriona and Angus are having tea together.
- CatrionaA bheil thu gu math, mo eudail?Are you doing well, my darling?
- AngusTha, tha mi gu math, a ghaoil.Yes, I am well, my love.
- CatrionaTha an t-aran sgoinneil, eudail.The bread is wonderful, darling.
- AngusTapadh leat, a Chatriona.Thank you, Catriona.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries eudail, luaidh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eudail, luaidh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
