siubhal sàbhailte
The Gaelic phrase for "safe travels" is siubhal sàbhailte.
You can use this phrase to wish someone a "bon voyage".
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun siubhal (travel/journey) and the adjective sàbhailte (safe).
Which one should you use?
Another way to say 'safe travels' or 'safe trip' is turas sàbhailte, using the noun turas (trip/journey) instead of siubhal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Gaelic, the adjective sàbhailte follows the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- While siubhal sàbhailte is a direct translation, Gaelic speakers often use the phrase beannachd leat to say goodbye, which literally means 'a blessing with you'.
- The word siubhal is derived from the Middle Irish sibal, which functioned as the verbal noun for the word meaning 'walks'.
- The word siubhal is a verbal noun, meaning it acts as both a noun for 'journey' and a verb for 'travelling'. This structure is a common feature of Gaelic grammar that differs from the strict noun-verb divide in English.
Examples in context
- Siubhal sàbhailte dhut.Safe travels to you.
- Siubhal sàbhailte dhuibh uile.Safe travels to you all.
Example conversation
Angus is saying goodbye to Mairead at the airport.
- AngusTha an planead ag tighinn a-nis.The plane is coming now.
- MaireadTha, feumaidh mi falbh.Yes, I must leave.
- AngusSiubhal sàbhailte, a Mhairead!Safe travels, Mairead!
- MaireadTapadh leat, a Aungus!Thank you, Angus!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siubhal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
