Cheese

7th April 20218th April 2021 By Simon

Words for cheese and related words in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáise = cheese
Irish (Gaeilge)	cáis [kɑːʃ / kæːʃ] = cheese cáiseoir = cheese-maker, cheese-monger cáisiúil = cheesy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	càise [kaːʃə] = cheese càisean, cùl-càise = cheese rind brèid-càise, anart-càise = cheesecloth
Manx (Gaelg)	caashey = cheese, cheesy caasheydagh = cheesy
Proto-Brythonic	*kọs = cheese
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	caws, caus = cheese
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caws [kau̯s] = cheese, curds, a cheese cawsa = to beg cheese, collect cheese cawsai = cheese begger, one who makes cheese cawsaidd = caseous, cheesy cawsion = curd, curds, curdlings cawslestr = cheesel, cheese vat/mould cawslïain = cheese-cloth cawsty = cheese house, dairy cosyn [ˈkɔsɨ̞n / ˈkɔsɪn] = a piece of cheese
Cornish (Kernewek)	keus [køːs] = cheese keuswask = cheese press
Breton (Brezhoneg)	keuz = cheese keuzerezh = cheese factory

Etymology: from the Latin cāseus (cheese), from the Proto-Indo-European *kwh₂et- (to ferment, become sour) [source].

Middle Breton)	fourondec, foulondec = cheese
Breton (Brezhoneg)	formaj = cheese fourmajerezh = cheese factory

Etymology: from the Latin Latin fōrmāticum (cheese), short for cāseus fōrmāticus (form cheese), from cāseus (cheese) amd fōrma (form, mold) [source]. More cheesy words in European languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Bridges

16th March 202117th April 2024 By Simon

Words for bridges and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	drochet [ˈdroxʲed] = bridge
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drochet, drochat, droichet = bridge, causeway drochetech, drochetóir = bridge-maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	droichead [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ] = bridge droichead crochta = suspension bridge droichead tógála = drawbridge droichead meáite = weigh bridge droichead veidhlín = bridge of a violin droichead sróine = bridge of the nose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	drochaid [drɔxɪdʲ] = bridge drochaid air fleodradh = pontoon drochaid-thogalach, drochaid-thogail = drawbridge drochaid-choise = footbridge drochaid-rathaid = road bridge, viaduct drochaid-thionndain = swing bridge
Manx (Gaelg)	droghad = bridge, bridge of ship, arch, gantry droghad aae = viaduct droghad cassee = swing bridge droghad coshey = gangway, footbridge droghad croghit = suspension bridge droghad keesh = toll bridge droichead meihaghey = weigh bridge

Etymology: from Old Irish droch (wheel, circlet) and sét (path) [source].

Gaulish	ponto = bridge
Proto-Brythonic	*pont = bridge
Cumbric	*pont = bridge
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pont = bridge
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pont, pynt = bridge, drawbridge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pont [pɔnt] = bridge, drawbridge, viaduct, aqueduct pontio = to bridge (a gap), to transition pont godi = drawbridge pont grog = suspension bridge pont trwyn = bridge of the nose pont y glaw, pont law = rainbow pont ysgwydd = collar-bone, clavicle pontio = to bridge, span, arch pont(i)og = like a bridge, arched of the nature of a bridge pont(i)wr, pontydd = a bridge-builder pontyddiaeth = bridge-building
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Cornish (Kernewek)	pons = bridge ponsfordh = viaduct pons travalya = travelling bridge
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pont = bridge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pont [pɔ̃nt] = bridge, top of the furrow, culvert, trigger guard pontan, pontañ = to bridge, lay flat stones (on a ditch or stream) pont-tro = swing bridge pont hent-houarn = railway bridge pont dilestrañ = bridge, deck (of ship) pont kargañ = loading deck pont-tro = swing bridge

Etymology: from Latin pōns (bridge, deck), from Proto-Indo-European *pónteh₁s (path, road), from *pent- (path). Words from the same roots include pont (bridge) in French, puente (bridge) in Spanish, път [pɤt] (road, way, path, journey, way) in Bulgarian source].

Proto-Celtic	*brīwā = bridge
Gaulish	briua = bridge
Leptonic	𐌐𐌓𐌖𐌉𐌀𐌌 (pruiam) = funerary construction (perhaps a grave)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw/*bʰrēw (wooden flooring, decking, bridge), which is also the root of the English words bridge and brig, and Brücke (bridge) in German [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Peaks

11th March 202114th March 2024 By Simon

Words for peaks and tops and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bandā = top, peak; horn benno- = peak, top
Gaulish	*benn/bannā** = peak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	benn [bʲen͈] = mountain, crag, peak, point, crest, summit, pinnacle, spire; gable, corner, horn (of animal), drinking horn, prong, crest bennán = horned animal, cow, calf; horned or peaked object
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	benn = mountain, crag, peak, point, crest, summit, pinnacle, spire, gable, corner, prong, crest bennacán = little horned one, calf bennach = pointed, peaked, horned bennán = a horned animal, calf bennchopor = steeple, tower
Irish (Gaeilge)	beann = horn, antler; drinking horn; prong (of fork) beannach = horned, antlered, pronged, peaked, gabled, angular beannógach = peaked,angular binn = peak; gable; cliff; corner, edge, margin; lap; side, portion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beann [bjaun̪ˠ] = horn, peak, top, corner, skirt beannach = [bjan̪ˠəx] = pointed, horned beinn [bein̪ʲ] = mountain, mount, high hill beinn-theine = volcano eigh-bheinn = iceberg
Manx (Gaelg)	beinn = mountain, ben, summit, pinnacle, apex, tine of deer beinn rioee = iceberg
Proto-Brythonic	*bann = top, peak
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bann, = top, tip, peak, summit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ban [ban] = top, tip, peak, summit, crest, peak, beacon, height, pinnacle, turret, hill, mountain, bare hill; chief; drinking horn, horn (of animal); arm, branch, beam, point (of cross) bannau’r byd = corners, quarters or regions of the world, the ends of the earth ban caer, ban y gaer = rampart of a fort; top or height of a fortess ban lleuad = quarters of the moon, new moon
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban = that which is high, a height, mountain, summit
Cornish (Kernewek)	ban = prominence
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bann = rising, uphill, upright, post, column

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bn̥dʰéh₂ from *bendʰ- (pin, point). The Scots word ben (mountain, hill) comes from the Scottish Gaelic beinn. From Gaulish we get the Catalan words banya (horn) and banyut (horned, unfaithful), and the Occitan bana (horn), and the English word pin comes from the same PIE root [source].

See the post about Mountains for other mountain-related words, such as sliabh in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, and mynydd in Welsh.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Water

5th March 202122nd March 2022 By Simon

Words for water and related words in Celtic languages.

There are several words for water in Proto-Celtic: *akʷā-, *boglo-, *dubro-, *iskā-, *lawo-, *udeskio-, *utso-, *φeno-, *φono- and *stagro-. Only a few of them have descendents in the modern Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubros = water, dark dubrokū = otter (“water dog”) *dubro-jarā = water-hen
Gaulish	uerno-dubrum = name of a river
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dobur [ˈdovur] = water, river doburchú [ˈdovurˌxuː] = otter (“water dog”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dobrán = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	dobhar = water; flood, torrent; darkness, dullness, obscurity dobhartha = watery, wet; dull, gloomy. dobharchú = otter (“water dog”) dobharchlog = water clock dobhardhroim = watershed dobhareach = hippopotamus dobharlí = water-colour dobhrán = otter; dull-witted, stupid, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dobhar [do.ər] = water (archaic) dobhar-chù [do.ərxu] = otter, beaver (“water dog”) dobhar-lus [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = (water)cress dòbhran [dɔːran] = otter
Manx (Gaelg)	dooarchoo = otter, beaver (“water dog”) doour = reservoir, dam
Proto-Brythonic	duβr = water düβrgi = otter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwfyr [ˈduvər] = water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dŵr [duːr], dwfr [dʊvr] = water; urine; pus dyfrgi, dwrgi = otter (“water dog”) dyfrgiad = watering, irrigation, urination dyfrio, dyfru = to water, to irrigate, to run, to urinate dyfrig = dripping, foaming (of a horse) dyfraidd = aqueous, waterish, aquatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	dowr [doʊɹ] = water; river dowrgi = otter (“water dog”) dowra = to water dowrhe = to irrigate dowrvagh = hippopotamus dowrliw = water-colour
Middle Breton	dour = water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dour [ˈduːr] = water; rain, tears, sweat, saliva dourgi = otter (“water dog”) douraerouant = hydra dourliv, dourlivadur = water-colour dournijerez = seaplane, flying boat, hydroplane

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubrós (dark) from *dʰewb- (deep) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*udenskyos = water
Old Irish (Goídelc)	uisce [ˈusʲkʲe] = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	uisce [ˈɪʃk̟ɪ] = water; rain, tears, saliva uisceadán = aquarium uiscebhealach = waterway uiscedhath = watercolour uiscedhíonach = waterproof uisce-obach = watertight uiscerian = aqueduct uiscigh = to water, irrigate uisciú = irrigation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uisge [ɯʃgʲə] = water; rain; river (in place names) uisgeadan [ɯʃgʲədan] = aquarium; body of water uisge-dhath, dath-uisge = watercolour uisge-dhìonach = waterproof, impervious; watertight uisgrian = aqueduct fuar-uisge = cold rain, cold water slighe-uisge = waterway uisgich [ɯʃgʲɪç] = to water, irrigate uisgeachadh [ɯʃgʲəxəɣ] = watering, irrigation
Manx (Gaelg)	ushtey [ˈuʃtʲə] = water ushteydane = aquarium bollagh ushtey, coorse ushtey, raad ushtey = waterway ammyr ushtey, droghad ushtey = aqueduct ushtaghey = to water, irrigate, steep, watering irrigation

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *udén, from *wódr̥ (water) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sālos = saltwater
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sál [saːl], sáile [ˈsaːlʲe] = salt water, brine, seawater; sea, ocean (poetic)
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáile [ˈsˠɑːlʲə] = sea water, sea, salt water, brine
Manx (Gaelg)	sailley = salt water
Proto-Brythonic	*salī = salt, sea water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hâl [haːl] = salt, salty, saline, akaline heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea
Cornish (Kernewek)	hyli = salt water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hal = salt water, salt hili = brine, strong sauce

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *séh₂ls (salt) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bùrn [buːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = (fresh) water, amount of water, (act of) raining bùrn-éirigh = spring water bùrn-iarainn = mineral water bùrn mìn = fine drizzle

Etymology from the Scots burn (a small river), from the Middle English bourne (small stream), from the Old English burne, burna (spring, fountain), from Proto-Germanic *brunnô (stream, brook). the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrun- (a bubbling forth; a fountain, wellspring, source) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau

Frosty Ice

25th February 202131st October 2023 By Simon

Words for frost, ice, cold and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸreswos = frost
Old Irish (Goídelc)	réúd [r͈ʲeːu̯ð] = frost
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reód = frost
Irish (Gaeilge)	reo [ɾˠoː / ɾˠɔː] = frost reodóg = icicle reoigh = to freeze, congeal, solidify reoiteach = frosty, chilling reoiteacht = frostiness reoiteog, uachtar reoite = ice cream reomhar = frigid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reòth [r̪ˠɔː] = frost, freeze, become frozen, congeal reòite [r̪ˠɔːdʲə] = frozen, frosty, icy reòthtach [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = freezing, frosty reòthadh = freeze reòthadair [r̪ˠɔ.ədɪrʲ] = deep-freeze, freezer stob reòta, caisean-reòta, boidean-reòthaidh = icicle
Manx (Gaelg)	rio = frost, freezing, ice riojey = to freeze, ice up rioeeagh = freezing, frosty rioeeaght = frostiness rioghar, bwoid rioee, kibbin rioee = icicle riojag, key riojey, key riojit = ice-cream rio-stroo, awin rioee = glacier
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rew, reo, rev = frost rewlyt, rewlyd, rewllid = icy, freezing, frozen
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhew [r̥eːu̯ / r̥ɛu̯] = (hoar-) frost, ice rhewaidd = freezing, frosty, icy rhewedig = frozen, icy, extremely cold rhewi = to freeze, preserve; anaesthetize, make numb rhewiadur = refrigerator rhewin = frosty weather rhewllyd, rhewlyd = icy, freezing, frozen, very cold, frigid rhew bargod = icicle rhew du = black ice gwŷn rhew = frost-bite rhedlif rhew = glacier
Old Cornish	reu = ice, frost
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rew, reu = frost, ice
Cornish (Kernewek)	rew = ice, frost rewer = freezer rewi = to freeze rewys = frozen downrewi = deep-freeze, freezer dehen rew = ice cream furvell rew = ice tray kub rew = ice cube skes rew = ice skate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reau, reo, réau, rëu = frost, frozen
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rev = frost, freezing, freeze rev du = black ice rev noz = night frost

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prews- (to freeze, frost), which is also the root of the word frost in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*yegis = ice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aigred = ice aigretta = icy, frozen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aig = ice aigide = icy
Irish (Gaeilge)	oighear [əiɾʲ] = ice oighear dubh = black ice oighreach = glacial leac oighir = (sheet of) ice
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eigh [ej] = ice eigh-bheinn = iceberg eigh-shruth = glacier leac-eighe = ice-floe linn-eighe = ice age pac-eigh = pack ice taigh-eighe = ice house
Proto-Brythonic	*jaɣ = ice
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ia, ya = ice, frost
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iâ [jaː] = ice, (hoar-) frost iaaidd = glacical, icy iaënnol = glacical, icy iaeth, iaaeth = iciness, frost, cold, severe winter weather ialyd = icy, freezing, very cold iaog = icy, freezing, frozen iain = very cold, freezing, icy
Old Cornish	iein = ice
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iein, iên, yein, yeyn, yên = cold (as ice), frigid ieinder, iender, yender, yeinder = frigidity, coolness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yey = ice yeyn = cold yeynder = cold yeynell, yeyner = fridge yeynhe = to chill, become cold
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	yen = cold
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yen = cold yenaat = to cool down, relax yenadur = coolness, cooling, chill yenañ = to cool, refrigerate, detach yender = cold, coolness

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁yeg- (ice, frost), which is also the root of the English word icicle [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ougros = cold
Gaulish	Ogronnios = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úar [uːa̯rʲ] = cold úacht = cold, coldness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úar = cold, cool. refreshing, unfriendly ind(ḟ)úar = very cold, chilly, cool, refreshing, pleasing, entertaining úacht, ócht, ocht = cold, coldness, numbness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuar [fˠuəɾˠ] = cold, apathetic, raw, uncooked fuaraigh = to cool, make cold, chill, relieve, pass (away) fuaráil = coolness, indifference, reserve fuaraíocht = coldness, chilliness fuarálach = cold, indifferent, reserved fuacht = cold, chill, apathy fuachtán = chilblain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuar [fuər] = cold fuarachd [fuərəxg] = coldness, chilliness, chilblain, mildew, dampness fuarachdainn [fuərəxgɪn̪ʲ] = cooling, easing, relieving fuaradair [fuərədɪrʲ] = fridge, refrigerator fuaraichte [fuərɪçdʲə] = cooled, refrigerated, eased, relieved fuarail [fuəral] = chilly, chilling fuaralachd [fuərəl̪ˠəxg] = coldness, frigidity
Manx (Gaelg)	feayr = chill, cold, cool, frigid, frosty, ice, distant (of person) feayght = chill, cold, exposure feayraghey = chill, cool, refrigerate, alienation feayraght = chill, cold, coldness feayrit = chilled, cooled, refrigerated
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	oir, oer = cold, cool oerai, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool oyrder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oered = coldness, chill oervel, oeruel = cold(ness), chill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	oer [jaː] = cold, cool, sad, dejected, miserable, coldness, child, cold vegetables, fruit and salad oeraf, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool, lose zeal, become depressed oeraidd = rater cold, coolish, coldish, chilly, unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent oerder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oeredd = coldness, chill oerfa = cool place, shade oerfel = cold(ness), chill oergell = refrigerator, freezer, cold cell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	oir = cold, frigid
Cornish (Kernewek)	oor = bitterly cold, glacial, icy

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewǵ- (cold), which is also the root of the Lithuanian word aušti (cold) [source].

Another word for ice in Breton is skorn – etymology unknown.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Heavenly Sky

19th February 202118th October 2022 By Simon

Words for sky and heaven in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*nemos = sky, heaven
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nem [n͈ʲeṽ] = heaven, sky, radiance
Irish (Gaeilge)	neamh [nʲavˠ / n̠ʲavˠ / n̠ʲaw] = heaven, sky, firmament neamhaí [n̪ʲial̪ˠ] = heavenly, celestial; droning, monotonous, apathetic
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nèamh [n̪ʲɛ̃ːv] = heaven; firmament, the skies nèamhaidh [n̪ʲɛːvɪ] = heavenly, celestial
Manx (Gaelg)	niau = heaven niauagh = heavenly, celestial niauoil = divine, heavenly
Proto-Brythonic	*neβ̃ [ˈnɛːβ̃] = heaven, sky
Old Welsh	nem = heaven
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	new, nym, nef = heaven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nef [neːv] = heaven, paradise; God, providence; sky, firmament nef a daear = heaven and earth
Old Cornish	nef = heaven
Cornish (Kernewek)	nev = heaven
Old Breton	nem = heaven
Middle Breton	neff = heaven
Breton (Brezhoneg)	neñv [ˈnẽ(w)] = sky, heaven

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *nébʰos (cloud, mist, moisture) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	spéir [ˈsˠkamˠəl̪ˠ] = sky,
Irish (Gaeilge)	spéir [spʲeːɾʲ] = sky, air; airiness, brightness, light; sphere, circle, orbit spéirbhean = beautiful woman, fair lady (‘sky-woman’) spéirghealach = ‘sky-brightness’, starry light spéirghlan = clear-skied spéirghorm = sky-blue spéirléas = skylight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	speur [sbiər] = the sky, firmament, heavens, heights speur-bhean = beautiful woman (usually in myths) speur glan = clear skies speur-eòlas = star-gazery speur-shiubhal = space travel bàta-speur = airship bun-speura = skyline sgoil-speur = astronomy
Manx (Gaelg)	speyr = sky, climate speyr-ghorrym = sky-blue, cerulean speyr-oaylleeaght = aerology speyr voorjeenagh =angry (sky) speyr vreck = mackerel sky corpane speyr(ey) = heavenly body
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sffêr [neːv] = sphere, ball, globe, heavely body, sphere (of the sky)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sphère, sfer = sphere, globe

Etymology from the Latin sphēra / sphaera (ball, globe, sphere), from the Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra – ball, globe) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aer [ˈa.er] = air, sky
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aidhéar, aer = air, atmosphere, sky, breath, amusement, sport
Irish (Gaeilge)	aer [eːɾˠ / eːɾˠ] = air, sky, climate, gaiety, pleasure, (musical) air, tune aerach = airy, light-hearted, gay, lively, frolicsome aerfort = airport aerghiotár = air guitar aertha = light-headed, giddy, simply-minded, silly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	adhar [a.ər] = air, sky, heaven adharag = light breeze, aerial being adharail = ethereal, airy, aerial port-adhair = airport
Manx (Gaelg)	aer [eːə] = aeronautical, air, pneumatic, atmosphere aerag = aerial, antenna aeragh = aerated, airy, atmospheric, ethereal aeroil = airy, jaunty, volatile
Proto-Brythonic	*auɨr = air
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	awyr [ˈa.uɨ̯r] = air
Welsh (Cymraeg)	awyr [ˈau̯.ɨ̞r, ˈau̯.ɪr] = air, atmosphere, sky, firmament, (the) heavens awyraidd = aerial, celestial, atmospheric, airy, well-ventilated awyrell = balloon, airship, vent, ventilation shaft, airway awyren = aeroplane, aircraft, balloon, meteor, fan awyrennu = aviation awyro = to ventilate, air, aerate maes awyr = airport
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ayr, auuit, aer = air, sky
Cornish (Kernewek)	ayr = air ayrborth = airport ayrbost = airmail ayredh = climate ayrek = aerial ayrell = ventilator ayrella = to ventilate ayrellans = ventilation ayren = aeroplane
Old Breton	aer = air, strong smell, sky, appearance
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aer, ær, ear, éér = air, strong smell, sky, appearance
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛʁ] = air aeraer = ventilator, aerator aerañ = to ventilate, aerate aerlu = airforce

Etymology: from the Latin āēr (air), from the Ancient Greek ᾱ̓ήρ (āḗr – mist, air, wind, space, volume), from the Proto-Hellenic *auhḗr (morning mist), from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewsḗr, from *h₂ews- (dawn, east) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include east, Easter, aura, aurora and Australia [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wybr, ybrev = air
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wybr [ʊɨ̯br, ʊi̯br] = sky, firmament, heaven, cloud, cataract wybraf, wybro, wybran = to wander (aimlessly), rove, look up at the sky wybraidd = pertaining to the sky or firmament, celestial, aerial. cloudy wybrwr, wybrydd = astronome, astrologer, traveller, wanderer, vagabond, rover wybryddiaeth = astronomy, astrology, meteorology
Old Cornish	huibren = sky, firmament
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ebron, ybron, ybbern = sky, firmament
Cornish (Kernewek)	ebron = sky
Old Breton	noabreen = sky, cloud
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	oabr = sky, cloud
Breton (Brezhoneg)	oabl [ˈwɑːpl] = sky, cloud

Etymology: unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Cloudy Mist

14th February 202115th February 2021 By Simon

Words for clouds and mist in Celtic languages.

Words for cloud, mist and fog in Proto-Celtic:

*moudo, *neglo = cloud
*dumāko = mist
*dengwo = mist, smoke
*kewok / kiw-o- = fog

Old Irish (Goídelc)	nél [n͈ʲeːl] = cloud
Irish (Gaeilge)	néal [n̠ʲeːlˠ] = cloud; depression; fit, spasm; nap, snooze; dazed condition; swoon, trance néaladóir = cloud-watcher, weather observer; look-out man; furtive person, sneak, spy néaladóireacht = cloud-watching, weather-reading; sneaking, snooping, around, prying furtively, spying néalmhar = nebulous, nebular; clouded, gloomy; sleepy néaltach = cloudy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neul [n̪ʲial̪ˠ] = cloud; hue, complexion; swoon, fainting fit neulach = cloudy, nebulous; obscure; ghostly, sickly neulag = small cloud; slow women, dimwit
Manx (Gaelg)	niaul = cloud neeal = cloud, nebula, swoon, nap, ashen (colour), faint
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nywl = mist, fog, haze nywlawc [nɪu̯l] = foggy, misty
Welsh (Cymraeg)	niwl [nɪu̯l] = fog, mist, vapour, haze, cloud(s), obscured eyesight niwlen = (thin) mist, patch of mist or haze, cloudy film, cloudiness, cataract niwlio = to be(come)/make misty, foggy or cloudy niwlog [ˈnɪu̯lɔɡ] = foggy, misty
Cornish (Kernewek)	niwl = fog, haze, mist niwlek = misty, hazy, vague niwlvlok = smog
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nivlenn = mist, fog

Etymology: from the Vulgar Latin *nibulus, a modification of nūbilus (cloudy), from the Proto-Germanic *nebulaz (fog, mist, darkness), from the Proto-Indo-European *nébʰos (cloud, mist, moisture) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	scamall [ˈsˠkamˠəl̪ˠ] = cloud scamallach = cloudy, clouded scamallaigh = to cloud (over), mist, obscure
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgòth [sgɔː] = cloud (bank) sgòthach [sgɔː.əx] = cloudy

Etymology unknown

Proto-Celtic	*kiw-o- = fog
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceó = mist, fog
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceo [kʲoː / kʲɔː] = fog, mist, haze; cloud; vapour; blog blemish ceobháísteach = heavy drizzle, Scotch mist ceobhrán = light drizzle, mist haze; thin layer ceobhránach = misty, drizzly ceoch = foggy, misty, clouded
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceò [kʲɔː] = mist, fog, smoke, vapour ceò-mara / ceò na mara = sea fog ceò-uisge = drizzle ceòban = small drizzling rain accompanied by mist ceòbhran [kʲɔːran] = drizzle, drizzling rain ceòthlach [kʲɔːl̪ˠəx] = thin mist; light drizzle
Manx (Gaelg)	kay [kʲeː] = fog, haze, cloud, top (of milk), blur (on a mirror) kyeoh [kʲoː] = fog kayeeagh / kayagh = hazy, misty, nebulous, foggy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kew- (to cover, hide, cloud). The English word sky comes from the same root, via the Old Norse ský (cloud), as does the Old English word sċēo (cloud), via the Proto-Germanic *skiwô/skiwją (cloud, cloud cover, haze) [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*kuml = cloud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cwmwl = cloud
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwmwl [ˈkʊmʊl] = fog, mist, vapour, haze, cloud(s), obscured eyesight cymylog [kəˈməlɔɡ] = cloudy, overcast; sad; obscure, lacking clearness cymylu [kəˈməlɨ / kəˈməli] = to cloud (over), become overcast; darken,; overshadow, obscure, dim
Cornish (Kernewek)	kommol = fog, haze, mist komolek = misty, hazy, vague
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koumoul [ˈku.mu] = mist, fog koumoulek = cloudly

Etymology: from the Latin *cumulus (heap, pile, surplus, summit), from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱewh₁- (to swell) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Life and Soul

6th February 20218th February 2021 By Simon

Words for soul / spirit / life in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*anaman = soul, spirit
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ainimm [ˈanʲimʲ], anim [ˈanʲim], ainim, anaim, anaimm = soul, life, living creature, animal
Irish (Gaeilge)	anam [ˈɑn̪ˠəmˠ / ˈanˠəmˠ] = soul, life, liveliness, spirt, breath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	anam [anam] = soul, mind, spirit, life, breath
Manx (Gaelg)	annym = soul, psyche, spirit
Proto-Brythonic	*anati̯o- = soul, spirit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eneid, eneit = soul, spirit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	enaid [haːv / haː] = soul, spirit
Cornish (Kernewek)	enev / ena = soul
Middle Breton	eneff = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg	ene = soul

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂enh₁mos (soul, spirit), or from the Latin anima (soul, spirt, life) [source].

Here are some examples of how these words are used:

Irish

anam an duine = the human soul
duine gan anam = unfeeling/lifeless person
Tá a hanam istigh ann = she is devoted to him
Dia le m’anam! = God bless my soul!
Dar m’anam! = Upon my soul!
Lán d’anam = in high spirits

Scottish Gaelic

a Dhia m’anam! = God preserve us!
m’anam = (my) goodness!
anam caillte = a lost soul
na gabh d’ anam … = don’t you dare to …
air m’anam! = upon my soul!
cha robh anam beò ann = there wasn not a living soul there

Manx

annym-charrey = spiritual adviser
corp as annym = body and soul
Dar m’annym = Upon my soul!
gyn annym = spiritless, flat (mood), inanimate, soulless
M’annym da’n jouyll! = Well, I’m damned!
Cha row annym vio ayn = there wasn not a living soul there
Shee Yee da’n annym echey = may he rest in peace

Welsh

ymroi i rywbeth gorff ac enaid = to throw oneself body/heart and soul into sth
â’m holl enaid = with my whole soul
hi oedd enaid y parti = she was the life and soul of the party
enaid hoff cytûn = soul mate
miwsig yr enaid / canu’r enaid = soul music

Cornish

daskor y enev = to give up one’s ghost

Breton

peoc’h d’e ene = may he rest in peace

Old Irish (Goídelc)	spiurt / spirut [ˈspʲirud] = spirit, incorporeal being, angel, ghost, apparition, soul, life
Irish (Gaeilge)	spiorad = spirit, spiritedness, courage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	spiorad [sbirəd] = spirit (of mind, ghost, liqueur), mind, vigour, heart
Manx (Gaelg)	spyrryd = esprit, ghost, morale, spirit, psyche
Proto-Brythonic	*spïrïd = spirit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	yspryt / yspryd = spirit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysbryd [ˈəsbrɨ̞d / ˈəsbrɪd] = spirit, soul; ghost, spectre, genius, temperament, disposition, mood, emotion, feeling, liveliness, vivacity, breath
Old Cornish	spirit = spirit
Cornish (Kernewek)	sperys / spyrys = spirit
Middle Breton	speret = spirit
Breton (Brezhoneg	spered = spirit

Etymology, from the Latin spīritus (air, breath, spirit), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)peys- (to blow, breathe) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Here are some examples of how these words are used:

Irish

An Spiorad Naomh = the Holy Spirit
spiorad an duine = the human spirit
spiorad na haoise = the spirit of the age
tá an spiorad ullamh = the spirit is willing

Scottish Gaelic

An Spiorad Naomh = The Holy Spirit
deagh-spiorad = good spirit
droch-spiorad = evil spirit, the Devil
spiorad-iùil = guiding spirit

Manx

drogh spyrryd = demon
gyn spyrryd = feckless, craven, boneless
Spyrryd Noo = Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost
spyrryd parteeagh = party spirit

Welsh

Ysbryd Glân, Glân Ysbryd = Holy Spirit/Ghost
gwendid ysbryd = melancholy, depression

Breton

Spered Santel = Holy Spirit/Ghost
droukspered = evil spirit, demon
spered-krouiñ = creativity
spered a gevezerez = spirit of competition

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Seasons

29th January 20211st February 2021 By Simon

Words for seasons in Celtic languages.

Spring

Proto-Celtic	wesrakos / wesantos = spring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring
Irish (Gaeilge)	earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring
Manx (Gaelg)	arragh [ˈarax] = spring
Proto-Brythonic	*wesantēnos = spring
Old Welsh	guiannuin = spring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime
Old Cornish	guaintoin = spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaynten = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez-amzer = spring

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *wósr̥ (spring) [source].

Summer

Proto-Celtic	*samos = summer
Gaulish	samo- = summer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer
Irish (Gaeilge)	samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer
Manx (Gaelg)	sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer
Proto-Brythonic	*haβ̃ = summer
Old Welsh	ham = summer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	haf = summer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haf [haːv / haː] = summer
Old Cornish	haf = summer
Cornish (Kernewek)	hav = summer
Old Breton	ham = summer
Middle Breton	haff = summer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hañv = summer

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥-h₂-ó- (summer) [source].

Autumn

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fogamur = harvest
Irish (Gaeilge)	fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting
Manx (Gaelg)	fouyr = harvets, autumn
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heduref / heduueref = autumn possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time
Cornish (Kernewek)	hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Etymology (Goidelic languages), from the Proto-Celtic *wo-gamur (under winter) from *gamur (winter) [source].

Winter

Proto-Celtic	gyemos / gamur = winter
Gaulish	giamos = winter (personal name)
Primitive Irish	ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gam / gaim = winter, winter storm gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter
Irish (Gaeilge)	geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter
Manx (Gaelg)	geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter
Old Welsh	gaem = winter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gayaf = winter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter
Old Cornish	goyf = winter
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwav / gwâv = winter
Old Breton	guoiam = winter
Middle Breton	gouaff = winter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰyem- (winter, year, frost, snow) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The names of the seasons, days and seasons in Celtic languages

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Days

19th January 20213rd March 2024 By Simon

Words for day and related things in Celtic languages.

Days in Celtic languages

Proto-Celtic	dīyos = day gdijes = yesterday noxt-yēr- = yesterday evening, last night se-diwos = today *sindai noxtē = tonight
Old Irish (Goídelc)	día [dʲiːa̯] = day indé = yesterday irráir [əˈɾʲeːɾʲ] = yesterday evening, last night indiu = today innocht = tonight i mbárach = tomorrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	día = day indé = yesterday irráir = the time before dawn, last night indiu = today, the present time innocht = tonight i mbárach = tomorrow
Irish (Gaeilge)	dia [dʲiə] = day arú inné = the day before yesterday inné [əˈn̠ʲeː] = yesterday aréir [əˈɾʲeːɾʲ] = yesterday evening, last night inniu [əˈn̠ʲʊ / ɪˈn̠ʲʊv] = today anocht [əˈn̪ˠɔxt̪ˠ] = tonight amárach [əˈmˠaːɾˠəx] = tomorrow arú amárach = the day after tomorrow
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dia [dʲiə] = day a’ bhòin-dè [əˈvoːn̪ʲdʲe] = the day before yesterday an-dè [ən̠ʲ’dʲeː] = yesterday a-raoir [əˈrɤirʲ] = yesterday evening, last night an-diugh [əɲˈdʲu] = today a-nochd [əˈn̪ˠɔ̃xg] = tonight a-màireach [əˈmaːrʲəx] = tomorrow an-earar [ən̪ʲˈɛrər] = the day after tomorrow
Manx (Gaelg)	je/jy = day arroo y jea = the day before yesterday jea = yesterday riyr = yesterday evening, last night jiu = today, nowadays noght = tonight mairagh = tomorrow moghrey (ny) mairagh = tomorrow morning oie ny vairagh = tomorrow night n(h)uyr, laa ny nuyr = the day after tomorrow
Proto-Brythonic	dið = day, daytime hanoɨθ = tonight
Old Welsh	did = day heddiw = today henoid = tonight yfory = tomorrow trennid = (on) the day after tomorrow, in two days time
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dit, dyd = day echtoe, echdoe = the day before yesterday doe, does = yesterday neithuir, neithwyr, neithiwyr, naithwyr = yesterday evening, last night heddiw, hediw, hetiv = today heno = tonight auory, a vory, y uory, yfory = tomorrow drenyd, trenhyd, drennydd = (on) the day after tomorrow, in two days time trannoeth, dranoeth = (on) the following day, three days hence
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dydd [dɨːð / diːð] = day, time of daylight, light echdoe = the day before yesterday echnos = the night before last ddoe [ðoːɨ̯ / ðɔi̯] = yesterday neithiwr [ˈnei̯θjʊr / ˈnei̯θjʊr] = yesterday evening, last night heddiw [ˈhɛðɪu̯ / ˈheːðɪu̯] = today heno [ˈhɛnɔ / ˈheːnɔ] = tonight yfory [əˈvɔrɨ / əˈvoːri] = tomorrow trennydd = (on) the day after tomorrow, in two days time ail trannoeth, ail drannoeth = the day after tomorrow trannoeth = (on) the following day, three days hence
Old Cornish	det = day doy = yesterday hetheu = today aurorou = tomorrow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dydh, dedh = day de = yesterday neiheur, neheur = yesterday evening, last night hedhyw, hydhew, hithu, hithou, hithyou = today haneth = tonight avorow [əˈvɔɾoʊ] = tomorrow trenja = the day after tomorrow
Cornish (Kernewek)	dydh [diːð] = day dygynsete = the day before yesterday de = yesterday de vyttin = yesterday morning nyhewer = yesterday evening, last night hedhyw = today haneth = tonight a-vorow [əˈvɔɾoʊ] = tomorrow trenja = the day after tomorrow
Midlde Breton (Brezonec)	deiz, dez = day dec’hm dech, déh = yesterday neizheur, neizhour, neyzor, neizour / dec’h da noz, deac’h da noz, déh de noz = yesterday evening, last night hiziv, hidiv, hiniv, hyzium hyziou = today fenozh, fennos, fenoz, fin-noz = tonight (w)arc’hoazh, oarhoaz, varc’hoaz, warc’hoâ [war.ˈɣwɑːs] = tomorrow antronoz all = the day after tomorrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	deiz [ˈdɛj / ˈdɛjs / ˈdeː] = day dec’h = yesterday neizheur / dec’h da noz = yesterday evening, last night hiziv = today henoazh = tonight (w)arc’hoazh [war.ˈɣwɑːs] = tomorrow eil tronoz = the day after tomorrow

Etymology (day): from the Proto-Indo-European *dyew- (to be bright, sky, heaven) [source].

Etymology (tomorrow): from the Proto-Celtic bāregos (morning), either from *bā-rigos (cow-tying), or from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂-h₃reǵos (light-extending) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*latyom = day
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lá [l̪ˠaː], laithe = day
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lá = day
Irish (Gaeilge)	lá [l̪ˠɑː / l̪ˠæː] = day, daytime; current time; lifetime; point of time lá breithe = birthday lá saoire = holiday an meán lae = midday, noon
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	latha [l̠ˠa.a] = day an latha an-diugh = the present day, contemporary beul an latha = early morning briseadh an latha = daybreak, dawn ceann-là = date (in calendar), closing date, deadline co-là-breith = birthday là-breith = nativity, date of birth, birthday latha-saor, saor-là = holiday, vacation leabhar-latha = diary, journal meadhan-latha = midday, noon
Manx (Gaelg)	laa [leː / laː] = day, daytime brishey laa = dawn laa bleeaney = anniversary laa jerinagh = deadline laa ruggyr(ee) = birthday laa seyr = day off, holiday lioar laa = diary, journal

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *leh₁t- (warm part of the year) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The names of the months (and days and seasons) in Celtic languages

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Brythonic

Cheese

Bridges

Peaks

Water

Frosty Ice

Heavenly Sky

Cloudy Mist

Life and Soul

Seasons

Days