slán go fóill
In Irish, the phrase for "until we meet again" is slán go fóill.
This phrase is used to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again. While the word slán can be used on its own to mean "goodbye", using the full phrase specifies that the parting is only temporary.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective slán translates to "safe".
Which one should you use?
While slán alone means "goodbye", adding go fóill specifies that the parting is only temporary.
Did you know?
- The word slán shares a prehistoric ancestor with the English word 'whole'. In its earliest form, saying goodbye was less about the parting and more about wishing the other person remained intact and healthy.
- English lacks a single word for the specific type of 'safety' implied by slán. It encompasses being physically unharmed, healthy and spiritually sound all at once.
Examples in context
- Slán go fóill, mo charaUntil we meet again, my friend
- Slán go fóill, a chairdeUntil we meet again, friends
- Slán go fóill.Goodbye for now.
Example conversation
Aoife and Cian are leaving a cafe.
- AoifeBíodh an lá seo go dea, slán go fóill!Have a nice day, until we meet again!
- CianGo raibh maith agat, Aoife.Thank you, Aoife.
- AoifeFeicfidh mé tú anocht.I will see you tonight.
- CianCeart go leor, slán!All right, bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fóill, go, slán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
