/r/gaidhlig

Photograph via snooOG

A h-uile càil ann an no mu dheidhinn Gàidhlig na h-Alba, do dh'fhileantaich is luchd-ionnsachaidh

All things in or about Scottish Gaelic, for fluent speakers and learners.

A place for native speakers and learners of Scottish Gaelic to discuss items of interest to the community.


  1. Do not troll users with less Gàidhlig than you.
  2. Do remain civil.
  3. No shitposting.

Useful links

Free resources for getting started

Courses

Grammar and pronunciation help

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/r/gaidhlig

9,957 Subscribers

2

The most commonly used word for "poison"

Hi everybody,

can anybody weigh in on this one? My dictionary gives three different options, but it has a tendency to give everything, even if the word is hardly in use. What would be the most common translation for the concept of "poison"?

Many thanks

3 Comments
2024/12/02
10:34 UTC

1

[Snàth Cabadaich na Seachdaine | Weekly Gaelic Chat Thread – Mon 02 Dec 2024] Dèan cabadaich mu chàil sam bith ann an Gàidhlig, na biodh iomagain ort mu mhearachdan | Chat about about anything as long as it's in Gaelic, and don't worry about mistakes. Siuthad!

[English below]

Fàilte gu snàth cabadaich na seachdaine

Tha an snàth seo do dhuine sam bith a tha airson cabadaich mu chàil sam bith sa Gàidhlig gun snàth ùr a thòiseachadh (ach faodaidh tu ma thogras tu).

  • Feumaidh tu post ann an Gàidhlig (gu susbainteach co-dhiù, tha beagan suidseadh còd nàdarra obviously taghta)
  • Faodaidh tu cabadaich mu chàil sam bith a thogras tu.
  • Na biodh iomagain ort mu dhèidhinn mhearachdan (co-dhiù do chuid fhèin, no a nì càch).
  • Chan fhaodar Google Translate (no a leithid) a chleachdadh airson postadh a chruthachadh.

Welcome to the weekly learners' chat thread

This thread is for anyone who wants to chat about anything in Gaelic without starting a new thread (though you can if you want).

  • You must post in Gaelic (substantially at least, a bit of natural code switching is fine)
  • Chat about anything you like.
  • Don't worry about mistakes (either yours or anyone else's)
  • No using Google Translate (or any other machine translator) to create posts.

Siuthad!

0 Comments
2024/12/02
07:30 UTC

4

làmh goirt vs làmh ghoirt

I was doing a review lesson on Duolingo and one of my things was typing what I hear. I heard the computer say "An làmh ghoirt agus an ceann goirt", and that's what I typed. Later on in the review, I had another question where I had to type what I hear. I heard and typed "Tha an làmh ghoirt" (because I remembered "làmh ghoirt" from the earlier exercise), but when I hit submit, Duolingo told me I had a typo and it should have been "Tha an làmh goirt", without the lenition. Was Duolingo incorrect, or was I?

5 Comments
2024/12/02
02:03 UTC

3

Any tips and tricks for translating English lyrics for music into Gàidhlig? (Sentences too long!)

I am familiar with translating lyrics, but mostly in other languages like German, Japanese, Mandarin where often I can rely on little tricks to add or remove syllables to suit rhythms and rhymes, without significantly changing the meaning of a sentence or rendering it gramatically invalid.

I'm struggling with this in Gàidhlig, however, where my familiarity is poorer. For adding a single syllable, the main ways I've found to add a syllable (where possible) are adding a -sa or other emphatic suffix to an end of e.g. a pronoun, or inserting glè before an adjective. I would really value more ways to add a single syllable without rendering the sentence invalid or altering the meaning (too much!)

I'm also struggling with how to shorten sentences. I'm finding translation of English in Gàidhlig has a tendency to produce longer, unwieldy sentences, e.g. anywhere where you've got to use "'S e...a th'ann" produces a longer multi-syllabic sentence for even simple short sentences in English.

The only place I've found it easier to construct a shorter sentence is in the past or future tense where the verb can be monosyllabic in many cases monosyllabic rather than having to lengthen with "tha mi a ' sreap" etc.

Can anyone help with any general tips or tricks for adding or removing single syllables to/from sentences in Gàidhlig? All help very gratefully received!

0 Comments
2024/12/02
01:22 UTC

14

A question about "le" and "ri"

Feasgar math a h-uile!

I've been going over prepositional pronouns, and there's an example from LearnGaelic.scot that's confusing me a bit.

One of their examples for "le" is "thàinig caraid leam", or "a friend came with me". Why don't they use "còmhla ri" here instead, since we're talking about a person accompanying you? For example, "thàinig caraid còmhla rium"? Or is it a case where both might be acceptable here?

Mòran taing!

6 Comments
2024/12/01
15:54 UTC

1

Help with my gravestone.

Yeah, chan eil seo an cuspair seo glè thoilichte ach ciamar ag ràdh seo? "Not even god knows why I lived this long.!"

Brevity is the secret here ( they charge by the letter :) :) :) ) Chan eil mi airson mo theaghlach bochd a dèanamh :)

1 Comment
2024/11/30
22:21 UTC

2

Sneapagan

Is toil leam an facal 'sneapagan' , chan eil is agam carson.

2 Comments
2024/11/30
21:58 UTC

10

Beautiful Gaelic proverbs and sayings

One of the Christmas presents to my wonderful boyfriend is a new wallet (cliche I know but his is literally held together with duct tape) and I found someone who can engrave a message on this inside. He's a proud Scot (non-gaelic speaking as he was just born there) but I want to commemorate his heritage with an old proverb or message that's special. I'm thinking something that is somewhat inspirational, maybe a blessing of some kind, or maybe even one that has something to do about love or wealth. Here's my leading contenders but if you have a favorite any more that you think would fit please comment!

-Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceòl

The world may come to an end, but love and music will last forever

-Chan eil tuil air nach tig traoghadh

There isn't a flood which will not subside

-Mu tha thu airson a bhith buan, na teid eadar an té ruadh agus a' chreag

If you want to live a life that is long, don't die

-I also like this one but can not find a translation

May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine upon your window pane

3 Comments
2024/11/30
20:38 UTC

14

The difference between singular and plural

I'm in the early process of learning Gàidhlig, so please bear with me.

One door, two doors, three doors translates to aon doras, dà dhoras, trì dorsan. (According to Duolingo).

The difference between singular and plural makes total sence to me, i. e. aon doras, dà dhoras, since it's the rule in all other languages I know.

My questions:

  • How come it's "trì dorsan" rather than "trì dhoras"?

  • If I keep counting will it be "ceithir dorsan", "deich dorsan", "mile dorsan" and so forth?

(Perhaps the rule is three and up is many doors, and hence has same ending i.e "moran dorsan"?)

  • Is this logic applicable for all nouns or just some?

Thank you in advance for any help given!

(Also, I'm not native English, so sorry for any mistakes I've might have made.)

14 Comments
2024/11/30
12:09 UTC

8

Literal meaning of 'rach far do sgeimhil" = "fly into a blind rage"

I can see it means something like "to go to your/one's [sgeimhil]", but I'm having trouble finding out anything more about that final word.

It looks like it could be a genitive - original form 'sgeimheal'? This page suggests sgeimheal means 'skirmishing party'. Could that be the translation, or does anyone know different? Tapadh leibh!

11 Comments
2024/11/30
05:37 UTC

7

[URGENT] Help me find Gaelic native speakers for a short online survey

I need your help!!!

I am conducting on experiment on some elements of Scottish Gaelic grammar and I have prepared a short experiment. I need native speakers to answer it, and I am having a short time finding them (I have contacts, but I am from Barcelona). It is very short, and they just have to read some sentences and rate how good they sound to them.

If you know native Gaelic speakers, please send the survey to them. If you yourself are one, please answer it. I am starting to get a bit worried because I have a deadline approaching.

Here is a short introductory text and the link to it:

Halò!
Tha sinn a’ sgrùdadh diofar rudan ceangailte ri gràmar na Gàidhlig, agus feumaidh sinn luchd-labhairt dùthchasach na Gàidhlig airson an deuchainn seo a dhèanamh. Bheir e nas lugha na 10 mionaidean dhuibh agus tha e gu tur gun urra. Cuidichidh ur com-pàirteachadh sinn gu mòr!
https://forms.gle/5EQYPzaSxsPUEzCQ6

Thank yous again!!!

4 Comments
2024/11/28
13:59 UTC

1

[Weekly Gaelic Learners' Q&A – Thu 28 Nov 2024] Learning Gaelic on Duolingo, SpeakGaelic or elsewhere? Or maybe thinking about it? Post any quick questions about learning Gaelic here.

Learning Gaelic on Duolingo or SpeakGaelic, or elsewhere? Or maybe you're thinking about it?

If you've got any quick language learning questions, stick them below and the community can try to help you.

NB: You can always start a separate post if you want – that might be better for more involved questions.

1 Comment
2024/11/28
07:30 UTC

23

origin of saying? "Breac a linne, slat a coille, Is fiadh a fireach, Meirle anns nach do ghabh Gaidheal riamh nàire"

I've been doing some research on this saying and trying to figure out the origin of it. I'm also wondering if it is connected to the right to roam laws in Scotland. Anyone know anything about the origin or use of this saying? I've been it translated as "A fish from the river, a stick from the wood, And a deer from the mountain,Actions no Gael was at any time ashamed of."

Thanks!

8 Comments
2024/11/28
04:13 UTC

9

the terms "stepson" in Gaelic

Does anybody know the most common term in usage? The dictionary gives various options, but I am looking for the one that is actually in regular usage...

Many thanks!

3 Comments
2024/11/26
08:55 UTC

3

Glossika 50% off

For those who are thinking about it, I know I was.

2 Comments
2024/11/26
07:26 UTC

12

For the best chance of a chat in Gaidhlig in Edinburgh?

WIll be there on Weds evening and was wondering if there were any Gaelic leaning pubs/bars where Gaelic speakers tend to congregate. Anyone know?

3 Comments
2024/11/26
00:15 UTC

5

Gaidhlig Classes in Aberdeen?

Shin thu!

I was wondering if anyone knows of any classes or in-person meet up for learning Gaidhlig in Aberdeen (preferably suitable for beginners). I’ve already searched the council website for the local club and they seem to be inactive (last post was 8 years ago and no responses to my emails). Anyone from around here have any suggestions?

3 Comments
2024/11/25
20:24 UTC

8

Genitive of "athair-céile"

Hi guys,

I was just wondering, the Learn Gaelic Dictionary gives "athar-céile" as the Genitive of "athair-céile"; but shouldn't it be "athar-chéile"? "athar-céile" seems to conflict with the grammar rules of lenition that I have learnt.

6 Comments
2024/11/25
08:56 UTC

3

[Snàth Cabadaich na Seachdaine | Weekly Gaelic Chat Thread – Mon 25 Nov 2024] Dèan cabadaich mu chàil sam bith ann an Gàidhlig, na biodh iomagain ort mu mhearachdan | Chat about about anything as long as it's in Gaelic, and don't worry about mistakes. Siuthad!

[English below]

Fàilte gu snàth cabadaich na seachdaine

Tha an snàth seo do dhuine sam bith a tha airson cabadaich mu chàil sam bith sa Gàidhlig gun snàth ùr a thòiseachadh (ach faodaidh tu ma thogras tu).

  • Feumaidh tu post ann an Gàidhlig (gu susbainteach co-dhiù, tha beagan suidseadh còd nàdarra obviously taghta)
  • Faodaidh tu cabadaich mu chàil sam bith a thogras tu.
  • Na biodh iomagain ort mu dhèidhinn mhearachdan (co-dhiù do chuid fhèin, no a nì càch).
  • Chan fhaodar Google Translate (no a leithid) a chleachdadh airson postadh a chruthachadh.

Welcome to the weekly learners' chat thread

This thread is for anyone who wants to chat about anything in Gaelic without starting a new thread (though you can if you want).

  • You must post in Gaelic (substantially at least, a bit of natural code switching is fine)
  • Chat about anything you like.
  • Don't worry about mistakes (either yours or anyone else's)
  • No using Google Translate (or any other machine translator) to create posts.

Siuthad!

1 Comment
2024/11/25
07:30 UTC

9

gach is a h-uile

are ‘gach’ and ‘a h-uile’ interchangeable or do they both strictly mean ‘every’ and ‘each’ respectively? Does it matter

2 Comments
2024/11/25
01:09 UTC

19

What’s the difference between “srùbag” and “cupa tì?”

I’m on Section 2, Unit 12, “Go to a restaurant” on duolingo, and I’ve just encountered the word “srùbag” which translates as “a cup of tea.” I remember learning the phrase “cupa tì” from Speaking our Language. What’s the difference between the two?

10 Comments
2024/11/24
04:36 UTC

9

"Laboratory" in Gaelic...

The dictionary gives two options: "obair-lann" as well as "deuchainn-lann". Which one is the most commonly used, for instance by institutions such as Sabhail Mór Ostaig?

1 Comment
2024/11/23
12:20 UTC

4

Verbs

So ive been studying gaelic for about 10 weeks now on a pretty intensive course at my university. One thing that i am really keen to get to grips with is verbs because i understand that they all have different forms for positive negative and questions.

So far i haven't really found any resources online that would be a good place to learn about this part of gaelic grammar. Any help or pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated :)

4 Comments
2024/11/22
21:50 UTC

11

Why are there so many Josephs??

Among the other issues with Duolingo, they, for some reason, think it is very important to have three different spellings of Joseph (Eòsaph, Eòsaiph, and Eòseph).

Does this actually matter to learning the language? Because it is a little maddening when doing the listening lessons and I get the notification that I have a "typo" when I don't add an "I" when IT SOUNDS THE EXACT SAME.

10 Comments
2024/11/22
06:18 UTC

0

I need a translation:(

Hello guys, I hope you are well today. I come to you because you are more reliable than the translator. Could you help me translate this phrase correctly?: "When I don't who I am, I serve you. When I know who I am, I am you." I hope it's not too forward of me :(
13 Comments
2024/11/21
23:26 UTC

0

I need a translation plis:(

Hello guys, I hope you are well today. I come to you because you are more reliable than the translator. Could you help me translate this phrase correctly?: "When I don't who I am, I serve you. When I know who I am, I am you." I hope it's not too forward of me 😦

Edit: Someone told me that the correct translation would be: "nuair nach eil fios agam cò th' annam, bidh mi gad fhrithealadh. nuair a bhios fios agam cò th' annam, is mise tusa" is that correct?

3 Comments
2024/11/21
23:21 UTC

7

Learning how to pronounce words

Halò. I started using Duolingo to learn Gaelic this past month but I was wondering if anyone had a good resource on learning how pronounce Gaelic properly since Duolingo doesn't really teach that. Taing.

7 Comments
2024/11/21
22:10 UTC

2

Usage of Aonachas

Hi there!

I was wondering if any Gaelic speakers could give me some advice on the term 'Aonachas'. I have seen some people (namely Wikipedia) say this is a term for Scottish Unionism, but (based on my quite limited knowledge of Gaelic) don't fully believe this. If anybody could give me some insight, that would be great, thank you!

2 Comments
2024/11/21
20:56 UTC

3

[Weekly Gaelic Learners' Q&A – Thu 21 Nov 2024] Learning Gaelic on Duolingo, SpeakGaelic or elsewhere? Or maybe thinking about it? Post any quick questions about learning Gaelic here.

Learning Gaelic on Duolingo or SpeakGaelic, or elsewhere? Or maybe you're thinking about it?

If you've got any quick language learning questions, stick them below and the community can try to help you.

NB: You can always start a separate post if you want – that might be better for more involved questions.

0 Comments
2024/11/21
07:30 UTC

3

I need help with anglicization

I've been trying to determine what would be the anglicized toponym for Abhainn Uaine (Green River). It seems like it would be common over time for it to have developed into a singular name, but I have no idea how to figure out what the result would be. Any help would really appreciated. Thanks

8 Comments
2024/11/20
18:26 UTC

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