mar sin leat
The phrase "hello and goodbye" in Gaelic is expressed by the farewell mar sin leat.
The phrase mar sin leat is specifically used when saying goodbye to one person.
Did you know?
- While English 'goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye', the Gaelic mar sin leat focuses on the manner of the departure rather than a religious blessing.
- The phrase mar sin leat literally translates to 'thus with you', which highlights the personal connection being acknowledged during a departure.
- The word leat in this phrase is a cognate of the Irish word leat and the Manx word lhiat, showing a shared linguistic ancestry across the Goidelic languages.
Example conversation
Hamish and Eilidh are finishing a conversation at a bus stop.
- HamishBha e na chèileachd math, mar sin leat, Eilidh.It was a good chat, so goodbye, Eilidh.
- EilidhMar sin leat, a Hamish.Goodbye, Hamish.
- HamishGluais gu faighinn an t-aon bhus.Move to get the same bus.
- EilidhSeall an t-àireamh an-dràsta!Look at the number now!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leat, mar, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
