Language/Scottish-gaelic/Vocabulary/How-to-Say-Hello-and-Greetings
Halò Scottish Gaelic learners! đ
Scottish Gaelic, or GĂ idhlig, 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 youâre planning a trip in Scotland, keep reading to discover some of the most important greetings.
Letâs get started! đ¤
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-Ghà idheal dialects | Dè mar a tha thu? |
how are you? formal, in the Leòdhas and Earra-Ghà idheal 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 | FĂ ilte |
welcome greeting | Ceud mĂŹle fĂ ilte |
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 | tĂŹoraidh
mar sin leat mar sin leibh [respect, plural] |
goodbye | beannachd leat/leibh [old-fashioned] |
farewell | slĂ n 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 Ă Glaschu |
Do you speak Gaelic? | A bheil GĂ idhlig agad?
A bheil GĂ idhlig 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' Ă ill leat? [singular]
B' Ă ill 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] |
Videos[edit | edit source]
How to say Hello and Goodbye in Scots Gaelic[edit | edit source]
Scottish Gaelic Lesson 1 - Simple Greetings[edit | edit source]
How To Say 'Hello, how are you?' in Scottish Gaelic[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
Free Scottish Gaelic Lessons[edit | edit source]
Language Exchange[edit | edit source]
Forum[edit | edit source]
Tools[edit | edit source]
Marketplace[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]