a ghràidh
The Gaelic phrase for sweetheart is a ghràidh.
a ghràidh is used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved by someone.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from gràidh, which means love or affection.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Scottish Gaelic, you can use Mo Chridhe to mean "my heart" or Mo ghaol to mean "my love" for endearment. In Irish Gaelic, A ghrá geal means "my bright love" and Mo chuisle means "my pulse".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form a ghràidh is in the vocative case, which is used when you are addressing someone directly.
Did you know?
- The phrase Mo ghaol shares a root with the word for 'kin' or 'family', meaning that 'my love' is linguistically tied to the idea of belonging.
- In many Gaelic-speaking communities, endearments like Mo Chridhe (My Heart) are often used as much for close family members or children as they are for romantic partners.
- The form a ghràidh changes its spelling from the root word gràdh because of a grammatical process called lenition, which softens the consonant sound.
Example conversation
Hamish is greeting Mairead in the kitchen.
- HamishMadainn mhath, a ghràidh.Good morning, sweetheart.
- MaireadMadainn mhath, a Hamish.Good morning, Hamish.
- HamishAn tòisich thu air an t-seòlaid?Have you started the tea?
- MaireadTha e deise, a ghràidh.It is ready, sweetheart.
