How to Say “Luck” in Old English

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ġesǣlþ
feminine
The English word 'luck' is translated to Old English as ġesǣlþ.
ġesǣlþ is a noun used to describe something that happens to a person by chance.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

ġesǣlþ is a feminine noun.

Did you know?

  • The modern English word 'luck' is actually a Scandinavian import that replaced ġesǣlþ in common usage after the Viking Age.
  • While we use 'luck' to mean both good and bad fortune, the root of ġesǣlþ specifically carried a positive connotation of 'prosperity' or 'happiness'.
  • The 'ġ' at the start of ġesǣlþ is a palatal sound, similar to the 'y' in 'yes' or the 'j' in 'dew', rather than a hard 'g' like in 'game'.

Examples in context

  • Wē biddaþ ġesǣlþe.
    We pray for luck.

Example conversation

Eadric and Mildryth find a gold coin on the road.

  1. Eadric

    Lōca! Hēr is gold!
    Look! Here is gold!
  2. Mildryth

    Þū hæfst micle ġesǣlþe, Eadric.
    You have great luck, Eadric.
  3. Eadric

    Ġēa, hit is wundorlic.
    Yes, it is wonderful.
  4. Mildryth

    Nū wē sindon glæde.
    Now we are glad.

Sources

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Carly Crystal
Carly CrystalHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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