gabh fois
/ɡ̊ɔ fɔʃ/word by word
The Gaelic phrase for 'relax' is gabh fois.
gabh fois is used to tell someone to rest and become relieved of stress. You may also encounter the informal and playful phrase Leòntaich ort, which means 'chill out' or 'take it easy'.
Meaning: (intransitive) to rest and become relieved of stress (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gabh fois is composed of the verb gabh, meaning 'take' and the noun fois, meaning 'rest'.
How does it change in a sentence?
gabh fois is an imperative form, used when you are telling someone to relax or rest.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡ̊ɔ fɔʃ/
Did you know?
- The word fois in gabh fois shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pause'.
- The verb gabh is used not only for resting but also for 'taking' or 'receiving' a guest into one's home.
- In the Highlands, telling someone to gabh fois can serve as a subtle, polite way to tell them they are behaving too frantically.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are talking after a long day of work.
- FinlayTha mi gu sàr an t-uaine.I am exhausted.
- IslaFeumaidh tu gabh fois, a Finlay.You need to relax, Finlay.
- FinlayTha sin ceart, latha fhada a bh' e.That is right, it was a long day.
- IslaSuidh sìos agus gabh fois.Sit down and relax.
