Last Updated on 6th April 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
Although French is the only official language of France, many other languages are commonly spoken in l’Hexagone, including Breton. Breton is a Celtic language (like Irish, Welsh, Cornish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx (from the Isle of Man)) originating in Brittany, Northern France.
It’s a language in decline with only around 250,000 speakers around today (in the 20th Century there were estimated to be as many as a million speakers). Oh, and that’s not forgetting that there are dozens of beautiful Breton words and phrases!
Today, it’s estimated that around 5% of schools in Brittany are bilingual (teaching in both French and Breton). Although Breton is spoken throughout the entire region of Brittany, it is mainly found in the upper part.
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Planning to visit Brittany? Here’s a beginner’s guide to Breton words and phrases:
Demat
Hello
In any language, hello is probably the best place to start!
‘x’ eo ma anv
My name is ‘x’
Because, after hello, you’re going to want to introduce yourself…
Komz a rit saozneg ?
Do you speak English?
Despite the fact that Breton comes from Brittany, the majority of people in Brittany speak French- the only official language of France. Many people will speak English as well.
Breizh
Brittany
Brittany in English sounds very much like Britain (as in Great Britain/ UK) because in Roman times, it was called Brittania Minor to distinguish it from Britannia Major- or, Great Britain in English today. The continental landmass was given a similar name to its’ island counterpart because both areas were inhabited by Celtic people.
Pelec’h emaomp ?
Where are we?
I’d say that this is very useful if you’re planning to visit the French countryside!
Fest-deiz
Daytime festival
If you ever see a sign with fest-deiz or fest-noz (nighttime festival), then make sure you head in that direction! There are festivals celebrating culture, music, food and more throughout the region at all times during the year.
Yec’hed mat!
Cheers!
In case you want to say cheers with your drinks during that festival you’re visiting…
Penaos e vez lavaret se e brezhoneg ?
How do you say that in Breton?
How are you going to learn more Breton if you don’t know how to ask?
Beaj vat !
Have a nice trip!/ Bon Voyage
Because adventure is always out there!
Ur yezh hepken n’eo ket a-walc’h
One language isn’t enough.
Has a phrase ever been truer? The more languages you speak, the more people you’ll be able to communicate with.
Enjoy this article?
Click here for 10 Beautiful Latin words and phrases. Click here for 20 Beautiful French words and phrases.
Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.
Atrebatus
Tuesday 20th of June 2023
Hello, thanks for the Breton phrases.
<> Penaos e vez lavaret se e brezhoneg?
Trugarez, Vernon Maldoom.