uisge-beatha
/ˈɯʃkʲəˈpɛhə/masculine
The English phrase "whiskey" is uisge-beatha in Gaelic.
uisge-beatha is a noun used to refer to the alcoholic drink whiskey.
Meaning: alcoholic drink (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term uisge-beatha literally means "water of life."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ireland, the term for whiskey is uisce beatha.
How does it change in a sentence?
uisge-beatha is a masculine noun and it does not change form in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɯʃkʲəˈpɛhə/
Did you know?
- The term uisge-beatha is a translation of the Medieval Latin phrase 'aqua vitae'. This reflects a time when distilled spirits were viewed more as medicinal tonics than recreational drinks.
- While uisge-beatha is the formal name, in modern Scottish Gaelic, the drink is often simply called uisge or referred to by the English loanword 'whisky'.
- Because uisge-beatha literally means 'water of life', it was historically used to describe various distilled spirits, not just those made from grain.
Examples in context
- "An gabh thu uisge-beatha neo fìon?" "Cha gabh idir, tapadh leat.""Would you like whiskey or wine?" "I'll pass, thank you."This sentence is useful for practicing how to offer a choice between whiskey and wine.Tatoeba #5918880 by Catriona, translation #5918882 by Catriona
- Is é 'uisce beatha' an focal Ghaeilge ar an fhocal 'whiskey'.'Uisce beatha' is the Gaelic word for 'whiskey'.
- Tha uisge-beatha math an seo.The whiskey here is good.
Example conversation
Two friends are relaxing at home.
- HamishA bheil uisge-beatha agad, Isla?Do you have any whiskey, Isla?
- IslaTha, tha bottail anns an t-seòmar.Yes, there is a bottle in the room.
- HamishGabhaidh mi glais uisge-beatha, mas luchair.I will have a glass of whiskey, please.
- IslaBidh e nas gearg na mìn.It will be shorter than a minute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “whiskey” translations and entries uisge-beatha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uisge-beatha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
