(I just wanted to make sure we have this info where we can find it.)

Irish people tend to use the word "soulmate" to mean two people who seem fated to be friends, e.g., they share an unusual hobby or something like that.

Americans tend to use the word to mean two people who seem fated to be lovers. This comes from Plato's Symposium. Humans originally consisted of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zeus feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spend their lives searching for the other half to complete them.

If you want an Irish word for soulmate, you have several options, depending on what you want it to mean:

* If you mean someone you turn to for spiritual guidance, the best word for that is probably anamchara (literally, "soul friend")
* If you mean a kindred spirit (possibly but not necessarily a lover), the best word for that is probably buanchara (permanent/lifelong friend), duine na n-árann (friend of my heart), or anamchara (literally, "soul friend")
* If you mean a lover (perhaps your perfect match, possibly someone you were "fated" to be with), there are a few words to choose from: fíorghrá (true love), síorghrá (eternal love), céadsearc (first love, but "first" here means "primary", not necessarily your first infatuation), sonuachar (spouse, partner), caoimh-leannán (sweet-heart), or duine na n-árann (friend of my heart) . You might also use anamchara (literally, "soul friend"); this usage is perhaps controversial but seems to be gaining ground.

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I'm glad you posted that...I wasn't sure where to find it at the old place!

Redwolf