Discovering Breton: A Guide to Basic Words

Embarking on the journey to learn a new language can be incredibly rewarding, opening doors to new cultures and ways of thinking. For those fascinated by the unique heritage of Brittany, grasping some fundamental Breton words is a fantastic starting point. Whether you're planning a visit, hoping to connect with Breton communities, or simply curious about this Celtic tongue, knowing a few key phrases can make a significant difference. This guide aims to provide you with a solid foundation, introducing you to essential vocabulary that will help you navigate conversations and appreciate the richness of the Breton language.

A Glimpse into the History of the Breton Language

The roots of the Breton language stretch back to the Celtic era, with its significant development occurring from the 5th century onwards. This was when the Bretons, originating from Great Britain, migrated to the region now known as Brittany. They brought with them their Insular Celtic language, which gradually integrated with the existing Celtic dialects and Gallo-Roman influences present in the area. For centuries, Breton flourished, becoming the dominant language in Brittany, used in courts and administration. However, from the 16th century, the influence of French grew, especially in urban centres. Following the annexation of Brittany by France in 1532, French became the official language, leading to a gradual decline in Breton usage. Despite these pressures, a cultural revival movement in the 19th century, known as the 'Celtic Renaissance,' played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the language. Writers, intellectuals, and educators worked to revitalise Breton, establishing schools and publications. This enduring spirit continues today, with ongoing efforts to ensure the survival and vibrancy of the Breton language.

The Essential 100: Core Breton Words to Know

Mastering a language often starts with the most frequently used words. Here, we present a selection of essential Breton vocabulary, perfect for making a positive impression and engaging in basic communication.

Greetings and Courtesies

Making a good first impression often hinges on polite greetings. Here are some fundamental ways to say hello and thank you in Breton:

Variations on Greetings

Languages often offer nuanced ways to express greetings, reflecting different levels of formality and familiarity. Breton is no exception:

• How are you?: Mont a ra? (Literally: Does it go?)
• Hi!: Salud!
• Are you well?: Mat ar jeu?
• How is it going?: Penaos ‘mañ kont?
• Hello to you (French style): Boñjour deoc’h

Expressing Gratitude

Beyond the standard 'thank you,' there are subtle ways to express appreciation:

• Thank you: Trugarez
• Thank you, Pierre!: Trugarez dit Pierre!
• Thanks (youth slang): Trug’
• Thank you (French version): Mersi
• May God bless you: Bennozh Doue deoc’h

Saying Farewell

Parting ways can also be expressed in various ways:

• Goodbye: Kenavo
• See you soon: Kenavo emberr
• Goodbye and see you next year: Kenavo da vloaz.
• See you tomorrow: Ken arc’hoazh
• See you later!: Ken tuch’!
• Goodbye Ben!: Kenavo dit Ben!
• Good night: Noz vat!

Everyday Breton Vocabulary

Familiarising yourself with common nouns and adjectives will greatly enhance your understanding and use of Breton:

Family Ties in Breton

Understanding family terms is essential for any language. Here’s how to refer to family members in Breton:

• Father, Dad: Tad, Tadig
• Mother, Mum: Mamm, Mammig
• Children, the children: Bugale, Ar vugale
• Grandfather: Tad-kozh
• Grandmother: Mamm-gozh
• Son, the son: Mab, Ar mab
• Daughter, the daughter: Merc’h, ar verc’h
• Brother, Brothers: Breur, Breudeur
• Sister, Sisters: C’hoar, C’hoarezed
• Aunt, Aunty: Moereb, Tintin
• Uncle, Uncle: Eontr, Tonton
• Great-grandfather: Tad-kuñv
• Great-grandmother: Mamm-guñv

Weather Words in Breton

Discussing the weather is a universal conversation starter. Here are some useful terms:

• Warm: Tomm
• Very warm: Tomm tomm
• The sun is beating down: Skeiñ a ra an heol
• It is raining: Glav a ra (Literally: It makes rain)
• Drizzle: Ar glav munut
• Shower: Ar glav-pil
• Thunderstorm: Ar glav-touseg (Literally: Toad's rain)
• Cold: Yen
• Very cold: Yen skorn (Frozen cold)
• Bitterly cold: Yen ki (Dog's cold)
• Rainbow: Kanevedenn
• It is snowing: Erc’h a ra

Breton for Festivities and Flirting

For those looking to add a touch of romance or celebrate special occasions, here are some key phrases:

• I love you: Da garout a ran
• You are beautiful/pretty: Koant out
• You are intelligent: Speredek out
• You have beautiful eyes, you know!: Daoulad brav ‘peus, te ‘oar!
• Would you like to marry me?: C’hoant az pefe da zimeziñ ganin-me?
• Happy birthday: Deiz ha bloaz laouen
• Happy New Year: Bloavez mad
• Merry Christmas: Nedeleg laouen
• Happy anniversary: Deiz ha bloaz laouen
• Happy festival to you!: Gouel laouen dit!
• I wish you many more years (to live): Hetiñ a ran dit kalz a vloavezhioù all
• Happy end of year!: Penn-bloaz laouen!
• Best wishes: Gwellañ hetoù
• Good health to your friends and families: Yec’hed mat d’ho mignoned ha d’ho familhoù
• Big kisses: Pokoù bras
• A big kiss: Ur pokig bras
• Noisy kisses: Pokoù trouz
• Fest-Noz (Night festival): Fest-Noz
• Fest-Deiz (Day festival): Fest-Deiz
• Good luck: Chañs vat
• Long live Brittany: Bevet Breizh

Bretonisms: French Words with a Breton Twist

The interaction between languages often leads to fascinating linguistic phenomena. In Brittany, certain French words have taken on new meanings or grammatical structures, creating unique expressions known as 'Bretonisms'. These are often direct translations of Breton grammatical structures or words that have been absorbed into local French usage.

Hervé Lossec, in his dedicated work, explains these as turns of phrase peculiar to the Breton language that have permeated French. Understanding these can offer a deeper insight into the linguistic landscape of Brittany.

Understanding Specific Bretonisms

Let's explore some of these unique expressions:

• Attraper son pegement: 'Pegement' in Breton means 'how much'. So, 'to catch one's pegement' translates to receiving one's due, being told off, or facing unpleasant remarks. Conversely, 'dire son pegement' means to tell someone the truth, to vent one's feelings.
• Biz à la carotte: This bilingual expression uses 'biz' (finger). It's a playful way to tease a child who has misbehaved or is crying. An index finger is extended and rubbed with the other index finger, often accompanied by a nursery rhyme-like tune.
• Celle-là, c’est une pikez: 'Pikez' is the Breton word for the shrike, a bird known for its sharp beak. Figuratively, it refers to a mischievous, cheeky, troublesome person, or a gossip who loves to deliver sharp remarks, much like the bird's pointed beak. Interestingly, there isn't a direct masculine equivalent.
• Être dans le lagenn or tomber dans le lagenn: 'Lagenn' in Breton means 'quagmire' or 'bog'. If an affair is not progressing as quickly as desired, it is 'dans le lagenn'. If someone you are waiting for is significantly late, they might have 'fallen into the lagenn', a reference to a time when carts would get stuck in narrow or wet paths.
• C’est une brell: This is slang derived from Breton. 'Brell' describes someone scatterbrained, whimsical, or someone who never finishes what they start.
• Faire un tour de tos-tos: This refers to enjoying the bumper cars at a funfair. It's a descriptive Breton word that effectively replaces the longer French term. It's derived from the Breton verb 'tosañ', which itself has Germanic origins meaning to shock or collide.
• Comment que c’est: Often extended to 'Comment que c’est avec toi?', these are common ways to ask 'How are you?' in a broad sense. This is a direct calque of the Breton phrase 'Penaos eo?'.
• Y a eu du reuz: This word is often slipped into conversations, either playfully or conspiratorially. 'Y a eu du reuz' means there was noise or commotion. 'Reuz' could even be a fitting replacement for the English word 'buzz'.

Other Surprising Uses of French Words in Breton Contexts

Certain French words acquire entirely different meanings when used within a Breton context, becoming very common:

• Envoyer (to send): In Brittany, 'envoyer' is used very broadly. You 'envoyez' your schoolbag (meaning you take it), you 'envoyez' your mother-in-law to the station (meaning you drive her), you 'envoyez' your things (meaning you take them with you).
• Fréquenter (to frequent): This word is often used solely in the sense of 'having a romantic relationship', similar to its usage in old French.
• Avec (with): The frequent, and sometimes perceived as excessive, use of 'avec' leads to flavourful Bretonisms. For example:
  • 'J’ai été au lit avec le docteur' means the doctor prescribed bed rest.
  • 'Il est parti avec le cancer' means the cancer took him away.
  • 'Du bruit il y a avec eux' means they were making noise.

Learning these words and expressions not only enriches your vocabulary but also offers a window into the unique cultural tapestry of Brittany. If you wish to explore more Breton words or phrases, our AI is here to chat with you!