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?
Download this audio clip.Audio player: ciamar-a_tha_thu.mp3
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[I’m] fine.
Tha gu math.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: tha_gu_math.mp3
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Good morning
Madainn mhath.*
Download this audio clip.Audio player: madainn_mhath_1.mp3
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Good afternoon (or evening)
Feasgar math.*
Download this audio clip.Audio player: feasgar_math.mp3
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Come in.
Thig a-steach.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: thig_a-steach.mp3
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Get out!
Mach à seo!
Download this audio clip.Audio player: mach_a_seo.mp3
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Many thanks.
Mòran taing.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: moran_taing.mp3
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Cheers!
Slàinte!
Download this audio clip.Audio player: slainte.mp3
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What’s doing?
Dè tha dol?
Download this audio clip.Audio player: de_tha_dol.mp3
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I’m busy.
Tha mi trang.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: tha_mi_trang.mp3
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Can you say it again?
An can thu rithist e?
Download this audio clip.Audio player: an_can_thu_rithist_e.mp3
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Please.
Mas e do thoil e.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: mas_e_do_thoil_e.mp3
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* 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).