codladh sámh, a chara
The English phrase "sleep well my friend" is translated into Irish as codladh sámh, a chara.
This phrase is used as a friendly wish to encourage someone to have a peaceful and restful sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of codladh (sleep), sámh (calm/peaceful) and a chara (friend).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Connacht, you may hear Cadal sámh ort, a chara, which means "Peaceful sleep upon you, my friend." In Munster, you might hear Oíche mhaith agus codladh sámh, a chara, which translates to "Good night and peaceful sleep, my friend."
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a friend directly, the word cara (friend) must be preceded by the particle a to form a chara.
Did you know?
- The word sámh is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'soft' and the German word 'sanft'. They all stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'one' or 'the same'.
- The word codladh is a verbal noun, meaning the phrase codladh sámh actually describes the state of 'peaceful sleeping' rather than acting as a command to sleep.
Example conversation
Cian and Niamh are saying goodnight before going to bed.
- CianTá mé tuirseach anois.I am tired now.
- NiamhIs féinleor do thumadh, Cian.Your yawning is enough, Cian.
- CianOíche mhaith, a Niamh.Goodnight, Niamh.
- NiamhCodladh sámh, a chara.Sleep well, my friend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, codladh, sámh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
