beannacht
/bʲəˈn̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ/
The Irish word for the verb 'salute' (to make a gesture) is beannacht.
Meaning: make a gesture (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/bʲəˈn̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- While it translates as 'salute', the root of beannacht actually means 'blessing'. In Irish culture, a salute is historically viewed as an act of bestowing a blessing upon someone.
- The root of the word is the Latin benedictio, making it a linguistic cousin to the English word 'benediction'.
- Unlike the English 'salute', which often implies a hierarchy between a subordinate and a superior, beannacht can be exchanged between equals to show mutual respect.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting on the street.
- ConorDia duit, a Saoirse. Beannacht duit!Hello, Saoirse. A greeting to you!
- SaoirseDia is Muire duit, a Chonaire.Hello to you, Conor.
- ConorAn bhfuil gach rud go maith?Is everything going well?
- SaoirseTá, go raibh maith agat.Yes, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry beannacht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beannacht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
