Do you dare
with galego?
Discover the language born from Latin, shaped by the Atlantic, and still the soul of our land today.
A language with deep roots
Galician, also known as galego, is an official language in Galicia. Its name comes from the Latin "Gallaecia", the word the Romans used to designate the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula. Over the centuries, this language has developed unique characteristics, shaped by historical, cultural and linguistic influences.
Pre-Romanesque roots
Cultural and toponymic influences from the peoples who inhabited Galicia before Rome.
Germanic and Arabic heritage
Lexical influences and grammatical structures of Germanic and Arabic origin throughout the centuries.
Portuguese kinship
Languages that resemble each other but have evolved independently as neighbours.
Maritime culture
The fishing culture has left a deep mark on the vocabulary and everyday expressions.
Linguistic features
What makes galego unique?
Despite its similarities with Portuguese, our language has distinctive features that make it a truly singular tongue.
The most beautiful words in galego — shall we pick?
Words that sound like the sea, the forest, a lit lareira. Words that exist only in galego and have been telling the story of who we are for centuries.
The magical, hazy moment between day and night, when the light gently fades away.
A soft, gentle caress. A term widely used in everyday life to express appreciation.
A fine, persistent drizzle — a weather phenomenon that is quintessentially Galician.
A deep melancholy and attachment to one's homeland. A feeling every Galician knows well.
When someone gently strokes you, we say they give you an aloumiño. It's also used as a compliment.
A feeling of deep nostalgia and yearning. A word with no exact translation in other languages.
A word that conveys happiness in a simple yet profound way.
A word that evokes the beauty of Galicia's natural landscapes.
The real deal. Describes something that preserves the purest essence and traditions of Galician culture.
A central feature of traditional Galician homes, often considered the heart of the house.
When the sea is rough and sailing is dangerous, we say there is marusía. It also means that unmistakable smell of sea and seaweed.
A party, a binge, or a night out on the town…
Our way of saying kiss. Simple, sweet and to the point.
Our very own way of referring to swallows.
In Galicia we don't have a swing — we have a bambán.
10 expressions to get by in galego
Speak like a Galician
Expressions with the flavour of the land that will open the doors of any Galician home.
01
Imos indo
Getting by
The most Galician answer to "how are you?" Neither good nor bad — imos indo.
02
Malo será
Something good will come of it
An expression of restrained optimism — as Galician as the orballo itself.
03
Mal asunto
Not a good sign
When things don't look promising, we sum it up like this.
04
Non vaia ser o demo
Lest it be the devil
An expression of caution. Just in case — you never know.
05
Velaí vai
There it goes
Used to point something out, with that distinctive Galician musicality.
06
Vai rañala
Get lost!
A blunt yet somewhat comical way of telling someone to go away.
07
Non poñas o carro diante dos bois
Don't put the cart before the horse
Don't get ahead of yourself. Folk wisdom at its finest.
08
Nunca choveu que non escampara
The rain always stops
After every rough patch, calm always comes. Pure Galician optimism.
09
Gaivotas á terra, mariñeiros á merda
A storm is coming
When the seagulls fly inland, the sailors had better take shelter.
10
Ser un toxo
To be a prickly person
Being a difficult or somewhat gruff person. Like the gorse bush — it stings.
Learn galego
The main language training programmes are managed by the Xunta de Galicia, but you can learn galego from anywhere in the world.
If you live in Galicia
The Official Language Schools (EOI) offer galego courses at different levels, available in person, blended or distance learning. An excellent option to immerse yourself in the language.
If you live outside Galicia
The Secretaría Xeral de Política Lingüística offers online courses to prepare for the CELGA levels (Certificado en Lingua Galega). Learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world.
Our language, our energy,
our soul.
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