Language/Scottish-gaelic/Vocabulary/How-to-Say-Hello-and-Greetings

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🤗 Scottish Gaelic Greetings for Everyday Life

Halò Scottish Gaelic learners! 😃

Scottish Gaelic, or Gàidhlig, is a Celtic language spoken primarily in Scotland. With a rich history and a growing community of speakers, learning Gaelic is an opportunity to connect with Scottish culture on a deeper level.

Greetings are an important part of any language because they allow you to connect and communicate with others.

If you’re planning a trip in Scotland, keep reading to discover some of the most important greetings.

Let’s get started! 🤗

Main Greetings[edit | edit source]

Hello - Halò[edit | edit source]

The most basic greeting in Scottish Gaelic is "halò," which is pronounced "ha-loh." This versatile expression can be used to greet anyone, whether it's a close friend or a stranger. You can use "halò" in both formal and informal settings.

Good morning - Madainn mhath[edit | edit source]

To wish someone a good morning, you can say "madainn mhath" (pronounced "mah-din vah"). This phrase is a polite way to greet someone in the morning, whether it's a family member or a coworker.

Good afternoon - Feasgar math[edit | edit source]

To greet someone in the afternoon, you can use the phrase "feasgar math" (pronounced "fess-guhr mah"). This expression is appropriate for use with friends, family, and acquaintances during the afternoon hours.

Good evening - Feasgar math[edit | edit source]

Interestingly, "feasgar math" can also be used to greet someone in the evening. The context will make it clear whether you are wishing someone a good afternoon or a good evening.

Good night - Oidhche mhath[edit | edit source]

When it's time to say good night, you can use the phrase "oidhche mhath" (pronounced "oy-kuh vah"). This expression is perfect for bidding farewell to friends and family at the end of the day or when you're about to go to sleep.

Goodbye - Mar sin leat[edit | edit source]

To say goodbye in Scottish Gaelic, you can use "mar sin leat" (pronounced "mar shin lat"). This phrase is suitable for use in both formal and informal situations.

How are you? - Ciamar a tha thu?[edit | edit source]

When you want to inquire about someone's well-being, you can ask "ciamar a tha thu?" (pronounced "kee-uh-muhr uh ha oo"). This is a friendly and polite way to ask someone how they are doing.

I'm fine, thank you - Tha gu math, tapadh leat[edit | edit source]

To respond that you are doing well, you can say "tha gu math, tapadh leat" (pronounced "ha goo mah, tah-puh lat"). This phrase means "I'm fine, thank you" and is an appropriate response when someone asks how you are.

Please - Mas e do thoil e[edit | edit source]

The Scottish Gaelic word for "please" is "mas e do thoil e" (pronounced "mahs eh doh hool eh"). You can use this phrase when making requests or asking for help.

Thank you - Tapadh leat[edit | edit source]

To express gratitude, simply say "tapadh leat" (pronounced "tah-puh lat"). This phrase means "thank you" and can be used in a variety of situations to show your appreciation.

Greetings and Useful Phrases - Complete Table[edit | edit source]

English	Scottish Gaelic
informal greeting	Halò
general greeting	Latha math
formal greeting	Latha math dhuibh
informal greeting	Latha math dhut
morning greeting	Madainn mhath
formal morning greeting	Madainn mhath dhuibh
informal morning greeting	Madainn mhath dhut
afternoon and early evening greeting	Feasgar math
late evening and nighttime greeting	Oidhche mhath
how are you? formal	Ciamar a tha sibh?
how are you? informal	Ciamar a tha thu?
reply to Ciamar a tha sibh and Ciamar a tha thu	Tha mi math
reply to Ciamar a tha sibh and Ciamar a tha thu	Tha gu math
reply to Ciamar a tha sibh and Ciamar a tha thu	Tha gu math, tapadh leibh
how are you? informal, in the Leòdhas and Earra-Ghàidheal dialects	Dè mar a tha thu?
how are you? formal, in the Leòdhas and Earra-Ghàidheal dialects	Dè mar a tha sibh?
how are you? informal, in the Leòdhas dialect	Dè man a tha thu?
how are you? formal, in the Leòdhas dialect	Dè man a tha sibh?
how are you? in the Cataibh dialect	Cionnas a tha thu?
how are you? informal	Dè tha dol?
welcome greeting	Fàilte
welcome greeting	Ceud mìle fàilte
hello, hi	halò
How are you?	Ciamar a tha thu? Ciamar a tha sibh? [respect]
I am well	Tha mi gu math
What's your name?	Dè an t-ainm a th' ort? Dè an t-ainm a th' oirbh? [respect]
I am ...	Is mise ...
name the name	ainm an t-ainm
madam	bean-phòsta
miss	bana-mhaighstir
mister	maighstir
good morning good day	madainn mhath latha math
good afternoon / evening	feasgar math
good night	oidhche mhath
bye	tìoraidh mar sin leat mar sin leibh [respect, plural]
goodbye	beannachd leat/leibh [old-fashioned]
farewell	slàn leat/leibh
good luck ["may goodness go with you"]	gura math a thèid leat
kiss(es) the kisses	pòg(an) na pògan
I love you	Tha gaol agam ort
thanks (many) thanks	tapadh leat/leibh (mòran) taing
with pleasure	gu toilichte
Where are you from?	Cò às a tha thu? Cò às a tha sibh? [respect, plural]
I am from Glasgow	Tha mi à Glaschu
Do you speak Gaelic?	A bheil Gàidhlig agad? A bheil Gàidhlig agaibh? [respect, plural]
Did you drink? (yes) I did (no) I didn't	An do dh'òl thu? Dh'òl Cha do dh'òl
am, is/are	tha
am, is/are not	chan eil
okay	ceart gu leòr
What?	Dè rud? [familiar]
Pardon?	B' àill leat? [singular] B' àill leibh ? [plural, respect]
I am sorry	Tha mi duilich
Excuse me	Gabh mo leisgeul Gabhaibh mo leisgeul [respect, plural]
Help!	Cuidich mi! Cuidichibh mi! [respect]