iechyd da
/ˌjɛχɨ̞d ˈdaː/
The Welsh phrase for "good health" is iechyd da.
iechyd da refers to the state of being free from illness or injury. It is commonly used as a toast, similar to saying "Cheers!" in English when drinking with others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of iechyd (health) and da (good).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Wales, it is common to use Iechyd da i chi gyd to wish good health to a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌjɛχɨ̞d ˈdaː/
When do people say it?
When drinking with others, people often say Iechyd da! as a toast.
Did you know?
- The word da traces its lineage back to the Proto-Celtic word '*dagos', a root that has survived for thousands of years.
- Saying iechyd da is the culturally appropriate way to respond to a toast, rather than just saying 'thank you'.
- The structure of iechyd da places the adjective 'good' after the noun, which is a common feature in Welsh syntax.
Examples in context
- Ydych chi'n teimlo'n well nawr? Gobeithio bod eich iechyd chi'n dda.Are you feeling better now? I hope you are well.
- Helo, Dai! Sut mae'r pethau? Mae'n edrych fel petai dy iechyd ti'n dda!Hello, Dai! How are things? It looks as if you are in good health!
- Croeso i Bwllheli! Iechyd da i chi gyd!Welcome to Pwllheli! Good health to you all!
- Mae iechyd da yn bwysig.Good health is important.
- Dymunaf iechyd da i chi.I wish good health to you.
Example conversation
Rhiannon and Gareth are greeting each other after a long time.
- RhiannonHelo Gareth, sut mae iechyd da?Hello Gareth, how is your health?
- GarethRwy'n dda iawn, diolch Rhiannon.I am very well, thank you Rhiannon.
- RhiannonMae'n dda clywed bod iechyd da yn parhau.It is good to hear that good health continues.
- GarethIe, rwy'n teimlo'n hapus iawn.Yes, I feel very happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry iechyd da, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, iechyd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
