slán abhaile
/sˠl̪ˠɑ̃ːn̪ˠ əˈvˠalʲə/word by word
slán abhaile is the Irish way to say "safe home."
This phrase is commonly used as a parting wish or a way to say goodbye when someone is departing for their home.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of slán (safe, healthy or whole) and abhaile (home or to home).
How do you pronounce it?
/sˠl̪ˠɑ̃ːn̪ˠ əˈvˠalʲə/
Did you know?
- The word slán is a cognate of the English word 'salvation'. Both words stem from the same ancient root describing a state of being sound, healthy, or saved from harm.
- In a historical context, the word baile inside the phrase slán abhaile referred to a 'townland', the smallest administrative unit of land in Ireland.
- The word slán is used for both 'goodbye' and 'safe', meaning that when you say goodbye in Irish, you are literally wishing the other person safety.
Examples in context
- Slán abhaile! Bí cúramach ar an mbealach.Safe home! Be careful on the way.
- Slán abhaile libh! Lig dom a fhiosrú má tá sibh sábháilte.Safe home with you all! Let me know if you arrive safely.
- Slán abhaile!Safe home!
- Haigh, slán abhaile daoibh.Hi, safe home to you all.
Example conversation
Aoife is saying goodbye to Conor as he leaves her house.
- AoifeGo raibh go leor agat, a Chonaire.Thank you very much, Conor.
- ConorNí raibh agat fogair a fháil.You're welcome.
- AoifeSlán abhaile anois!Safe home now!
- ConorGo raibh an bróga slán.Thanks, goodbye.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (slán, abhaile) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abhaile, slán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
