Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| beannachd leat | familiar |
| beannachd leibh | formal |
| soraidh | feminine |
While beannachd leat is a common way to say goodbye, other forms like soraidh exist for more specific formal or traditional contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase beannachd leat literally means blessing with you.
Which one should you use?
beannachd leat is used when speaking to one person, whereas beannachd leibh is used when speaking to more than one person. The term soraidh is also available as a formal way to say goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
beannachd leat is the familiar version of the phrase. beannachd leibh is the formal version, and soraidh is a more formal way to say goodbye, often found in traditional or written contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase beannachd leat, leat is the singular form meaning with you. In the phrase beannachd leibh, leibh is the plural or formal form meaning with you.
Did you know?
- The term soraidh is etymologically linked to the concept of something being 'smooth' or 'pleasant'.
- Gaelic speakers use beannachd leibh not just for groups, but as a sign of respect when speaking to a single person of higher status.
- The word soraidh is rarely used in casual spoken conversation today and is primarily encountered in literature or formal writing.
Examples in context
- Beannachd leat a charaid.Goodbye, my friend.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are finishing their walk in the park.
- FinlayBha e math an latha, Isla.It was a good day, Isla.
- IslaBha e sgoinneil, a Fhionlaigh.It was brilliant, Finlay.
- FinlayBeannachd leat, a a h-uile!Goodbye to you!
- IslaBeannachd leat!Goodbye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries beannachd leat, beannachd leibh, soraidh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beannachd, leat, leibh, soraidh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
