Does sláinte really mean "cheers"? Here's the true sláinte meaning and pronunciation.
What Does the Irish Word “Sláinte” Mean?
Updated on Feb. 04, 2025
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, you might hear an unfamiliar Irish term get tossed around before the pints get tossed back. Sláinte is a classic Irish toast, and in true St. Paddy’s Day fashion, it’ll be ringing through pubs, parties and parades stateside on March 17. So it’s worth knowing exactly what it means and where it comes from.
We’ve got answers to your most pressing questions right here. Keep reading to learn the meaning behind sláinte, how to pronounce it and what to say when someone shouts it your way. And to really get you ready for all the St. Patrick’s Day traditions this month, we’re sharing other festive Irish phrases. Sláinte—and happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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What does sláinte mean?
Like Erin go Bragh, you’ll hear this word in Ireland and Scotland. In both countries, sláinte’s meaning is “health.” When someone says “sláinte” on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day), they’re essentially wishing you health. But saying “sláinte” is also a way of saying “cheers” in Irish.
Is sláinte Irish or Scottish?
It’s both! Ireland and Scotland have distinct languages, with a shared heritage and some crossover. Both fall under the Celtic umbrella. Gaelic is the language of Scotland and was imported from Ireland in the fifth and sixth centuries. Irish, another Celtic language, is spoken in Ireland.
Outside of Scotland, the language for each country is sometimes distinguished as Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. Their sister language is Manx, which is spoken on the Isle of Man. All three are distant cousins to Welsh, Breton and Cornish.
English is the more prevalent language of Ireland, but Irish has history on its side. Though the Celtic language was on the decline for centuries, there’s hope for a resurrection. According to 2022 census data, around 1.9 million people in Ireland speak Irish—up from 73,000 people in 2016.
For drinking purposes, wishing “sláinte” to someone works just as well in Scotland as it does in Ireland. It just has a different pronunciation.
How do you pronounce sláinte?
The proper way to say it is “slawn-cha.” Notice the t is absent.
How do you respond to sláinte?
When someone says “sláinte” to you, repeating the phrase works well. But if they raise their glass and say, “Sláinte mhaith!” (aka “good health”), wish them “sláinte agad-sa” or “sláinte chugat.” That’s the Irish way to say, in essence, “good health back at you.”
How do you say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” in Irish?
If you want to extend your celebration beyond wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, learning a few Irish sayings can be useful. Luckily, the language is rich with options, including other ways to say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” in Irish.
- “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit”: To wish someone a Happy St. Paddy’s Day. If it’s a crowd, substitute duit with daoibh.
- “Dhá Guinness, le do thoil”: To ask for “two Guinness, please.”
- “Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte”: To expand the “sláinte” toast with “health is better than wealth.”
- “Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat”: This wishes good luck but translates to “that luck may rise with you.”
- “Póg”: Defined as “kiss,” this might be a useful word if you’re looking for a smooch on the cheek on St. Patrick’s Day. (There’s a phrase that includes póg and another part of the anatomy if you’re not.)
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Sources:
- Tourism Ireland: “Languages of Ireland”
- Central Statistics Office of Ireland: “Press Statement Census 2022 Results Profile 8 – The Irish Language and Education”
- Central Statistics Office of Ireland: “Census of Population 2016 – Profile 10 Education, Skills and the Irish Language”
- Irish Whiskey LAD: “How to Pronounce Sláinte – the Irish way!”
