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Handy phrases in Gaelic

Friday 13th October, 2023

Learn how to say these handy phrases in Gaelic and help welcome our visitors to Mòd Phàislig 2023.

The order is GaelicPhonetics-style (sounds like)English.

Greetings

  • Madainn mhathmah deen vah – Good morning
  • Feasgar math – fess garr mah – Good afternoon 
  • Fàilte – fahl tchu – Welcome 
  • Fàilte gu Pàislig – fahl tchu goo pash-lig – Welcome to Paisley
  • Fàilte gu Mòd Phàislig – fahl tchu goo mod fash-lig – Welcome to Paisley Mòd 

Saying goodbye

  • Mar sin leibh – Mar shin luyhv – Goodbye 
  • Cheerie an-dràsta – cheer ee an drass tah – Bye for now 
  • Chì sinn a-rithist sibh – chee sheen uh ree-eesht shoo – We’ll see you again

Questions and answers

  • Ciamar a tha thu? – kimmer uh hah ooh – how are you? 
  • Ciamar a tha thu fhèin? – kimmer uh hah ooh hayn – How are you yourself (how is oneself)? 
  • Tha mi gu math – hah me goo mah – I am well (good) 
  • Tha mi gu sunndach – hah me goo soun doch (as in loch) – I am in good form 

Describing your day

  • Latha math – Lah mah – Good day /Nice day 
  • Latha brèagha – Lah breeh ahh – Lovely day 
  • Tha i fliuch – hah ee flooch (as in loch) – It’s wet 
  • Tha i fuar – hah ee foo arr – It’s cold
  • Tha i grianach – hah ee gree anach (as in loch) – It’s sunny 

General

  • Gur math a thèid leibh – goor mah uh haydge luyhv – All the best 
  • Glè mhath – glee vath – very good / well done
  • ‘Se ur beathashey oor behah – Shea
  • Tapadh leibh – tah pah leave – Thank you 

 


 

Want to know more about these handy phrases in Gaelic? Check out this excellent video from Visit Scotland—diving deep into the roots of Gaelic and the meanings of placenames across Scotland.

Find out more