Clì Gàidhlig

the 21st century voice of Gaelic learners

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Listen to some useful Gaelic phrases

Here are some Gaelic phrases, with English translations, that you may find helpful.

They have been read by Seonag, she is a member of Cli’s team, a Gaelic tutor and comes from Uist so you will hear very proper Gaelic pronunciation, do try to copy them.

Tha an la fas fada a nis	The day is getting longer now
Tha moran sneachd air a bhi ann	There’s been a lot of snow
An do rinn thu bodach sneachd	Did you make a snowman?
Tha i uamhasach fuar a muigh	It is very cold outside.
Cuin a tha a chaisg ann?	When is it easter?
Tha na h-uighean anns na buthan a nis	the eggs are in the shops now.
A bheil thu ag obair an drasda?	Are you working just now?
Tha mi ag obair Diluain, Dimairt agus Diciadain	I am working monday tuesday and wednesday.
An robh thu muigh aig biadh la na sabaid?	Were you out for lunch on sunday?
Cha robh, dh’fhurich mi a staigh	no i stayed at home.
A bheil a chlann anns an sgoil?	Are the children in school?
Tha, tha iad anns an sgoil an duigh	yes, they are in school today.
Bha laithean saora uamhasach fada aca.	They had very long holidays.
An robh do chairidean a ceilidh ort	Were your friends visiting you?
Bha. Thaing iad trath feasgar	Yes, they came early afternoon.
Dh’fhuirich iad gu anomach	they stayed ‘til late evening.
Oidhche mhath	Good night.

What is your name?	I am Seonag
How are you?	I am well thank you
What work do you do?	I am a teacher
Where do you come from?	I come from Scotland
How old are you?	I am 8 years old
Do you have Gaelic?	I have a little, I am learning
What's wrong with you?	I have a cold
Where are you going?	I am going home
How often do you go on holiday?	Twice a year
What day is it?	Its Tuesday
What kind of day is it?	Its a cold day
What time is it?	It is 11 o'clock
Who is this?	Here is grandmother
When is grannie arriving?
How many cats has she got?
Why is she crying?	She is unhappy
Where are the biscuits?	They are on the shelf
How much do they cost?	They cost twenty pence
Do you like sweets?	I love sweets

Fàilte gu Cataibh	Welcome to Sutherland
Fàilte gu Mòd Ghallaibh	Welcome to the Caithness Mod
Fàilte gu Inbhir Theòrsa	Welcome to Wick
Fàilte gu taigh-osta Bhaile Caisteil	Welcome to Castletown hotel
Fàilte gu taigh-osta MhicAoidh	Welcome to MacKay's hotel
Fàilte gu Inbhir Ùige	Welcome to Wick
Madainn mhath	Good morning
Feasgar math	Good afternoon
Oidhche mhath	Good night
Ciamar a tha sibh?	How are you
Tha gu math, tapadh leat	I am fine, thank you
Tha mi sgìth	I am tired
Tha i blàth	It is warm
Tha i fuar	It is cold
Tha i fliuch	It is wet
An-diugh	Today
An-dè	Yesterday
An ath-oidhch'	The next evening
Dè tha sibh ag iarraidh	What do you want
A bheil sibh ag iarraidh biadh	Do you want food
Cupa cofaidh	A cup of coffee
Cupa tì	A cup of tea
Cofaidh dubh	Black coffee
Tì dhubh	Black tea
Le bainne, gun siùcar	With milk, without sugar
Tha mi ag iarraidh tè bheag	I want a dram
Slàinte	Health (Cheers)
Càite a bheil thu dol	Where are you going
Càite a bheil na còisearan a' seinn	Where are the choirs singing
Càite a bheil am farpais dràma ga chumail	Where is the drama competition being held
Chan eil fios agam	I don't know
Gabh mo leisgeul	Excuse me
Tha mi duilich	I am sorry
Chan eil mi tuigsinn	I don't understand
Tig a-staigh	Come in
Tigibh a-steach	Come in (plural)
Dùin an doras	Shut the door
Bithibh sàmhach	Be quiet