Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA |
|---|---|
| bòidheach | /ˈb̥ɔːjəx/ /ˈb̥uæ.əx/ |
| brèagha | /ˈb̥ðia.ə/ (Lewis) /ˈb̥ɾʲia.a/ |
| maiseach | /maʃʲax/ |
The terms for "pretty" are used to describe something or someone as pleasant or attractive, particularly when referring to women and children.
Which one should you use?
bòidheach is the most common and versatile term, covering meanings of pretty, beautiful or handsome. brèagha often carries the connotation of being "lovely" or "fine" and is frequently used to describe scenery or weather in addition to people. maiseach is used specifically when "pretty" implies that someone or something is neat, tidy or smart in appearance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Donegal, the form breagh is used to convey the concept of pretty.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, bòidheach does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈb̥ɔːjəx/
Did you know?
- While bòidheach describes beauty, it shares its root with the word buaidh, which means 'virtue' or 'victory'. To be pretty in this sense is historically tied to having positive inner qualities.
- Using bòidheach to describe a man might sound slightly different than in English, as the term is most traditionally associated with women and children.
Examples in context
- Tá an lá breá inniuThe day is pretty today
- Tá an fhuinneog seo an-álainnThis window is very pretty
- Tha an nighean seo bòidheach.This girl is pretty.
- Tha i gu math bòidheach.She is quite pretty.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are looking at a photo of a family member.
- FinlayCo a tha seo?Who is this?
- IslaIs mise an siorais, tha i bòidheach, nach eil?That is my cousin, she is pretty, isn't she?
- FinlayTha i gu dearbh bòidheach.She is certainly pretty.
- IslaTapadh leat, Finlay.Thank you, Finlay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pretty” translations and entries bòidheach, brèagha, maiseach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brèagha, bòidheach, maiseach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
