sìth
/ˈʃiː/feminine
The Gaelic word for peace is sìth.
sìth primarily refers to a state of being free from war. However, in many Gaelic contexts, it can also refer to the fairy folk or a spirit, implying a connection between the concept of peace and the supernatural realm.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article to say 'the peace', the word becomes an t-sìth. This follows specific sandhi rules where a 't-' prefix is added.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃiː/
Did you know?
- The word sìth comes from the Old Irish word síd, which referred to a 'fairy dwelling' or a burial mound. This connects the idea of peace to the ancestral homes of the spirits.
- In some traditional Gaelic beliefs, the sìth could grant a supernatural peace to those they favored but could also cause chaos for those who offended them. Thus, the word carries a subtle tension between harmony and danger.
- Because of its connection to the fairy realm, the word sìth can carry an eerie or unsettling connotation in certain folk contexts.
Examples in context
- Bha sìth ann tron t-saoghal.There was peace all over the world.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use sìth in a context describing the world.Tatoeba #851898 by marloncori, translation #851960 by marloncori
- Tha sìth annThere is peace.
- Tha sìth math an-seo. Tha duilgheadasan ann ach tha sinn a' dèanamh ar n-iomairt airson sìth agus co-fhoghlum a bhrosnachadh.There is peace here. There are challenges, but we are making efforts to promote peace and understanding.
- Tha sinn ag iarraidh sìth.We want peace.
Example conversation
Angus and Mairead are discussing world news.
- AngusTha iad ag obair airson sìth.They are working for peace.
- MaireadTha sin na neart an dòchais, a Angus.That is a lot of hope, Angus.
- AngusIs e an aon dòigh a tha againn.It is the only way we have.
- MaireadTha thu ceart, a bhruadar.You are right, my friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peace” translations and entries sìth, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sìth, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
