5 How the Gaelic language works

5.1 How do I say…?

Here are some common expressions in Gaelic. Listen to them by clicking on the audio link, then try saying them.

How are you?

Ciamar a tha thu?

[I’m] fine.

Tha gu math.

Good morning

Madainn mhath.*

Good afternoon (or evening)

Feasgar math.*

Come in.

Thig a-steach.

Get out!

Mach à seo!

Many thanks.

Mòran taing.

Cheers!

Slàinte!

What’s doing?

Dè tha dol?

I’m busy.

Tha mi trang.

Can you say it again?

An can thu rithist e?

Please.

Mas e do thoil e.

* Note: Nouns in Gaelic, as in many languages, can be masculine or feminine: that is why it is ‘feasgar math’ (masculine) but ‘madainn mhath’ (feminine).