English to Scottish Gaelic: 50 Essential Words and Phrases

February 17, 2025 Dr. Aileas NicLeòid 8 min read
Scottish Highlands landscape with dramatic clouds and mountains

Discover the essential Scottish Gaelic words and phrases that will help you communicate effectively in Scotland. Whether you're planning a trip to the Highlands, interested in Scottish culture, or beginning your journey to learn Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic greetings to essential expressions, complete with authentic pronunciation guides.

Basic Greetings and Courtesies

Master the fundamental Scottish Gaelic greetings used in everyday conversations. These common phrases will help you make a great first impression and show respect for the local culture and language traditions.

Hello
Halò
(ha-law)
Good morning
Madainn mhath
(ma-tin vah)
Good afternoon/evening
Feasgar math
(fes-ker mah)
Good night
Oidhche mhath
(oy-che vah)
Goodbye
Mar sin leat
(mar shin lat)
Please
Ma 's e do thoil e
(mah sha do hol eh)
Thank you
Tapadh leat
(tap-ah lat)
You're welcome
'S e do bheatha
(sha do veh-ha)
Yes
Tha
(ha)
No
Chan eil
(chan yale)

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Essential Phrases

Learn these key Scottish Gaelic phrases to navigate common situations and engage in basic conversations. These expressions are carefully selected to help you communicate effectively in various daily scenarios.

How are you?
Ciamar a tha thu?
(kim-er a ha oo)
I'm fine
Tha mi gu math
(ha mee goo mah)
What's your name?
Dè an t-ainm a th' ort?
(jay an tayn-um a hawrst)
My name is...
Is mise...
(iss mee-sha)
Nice to meet you
'S math gur coinneachadh
(s'mah goor kon-yach-oo)
I don't understand
Chan eil mi a' tuigsinn
(chan yale mee a took-shin)
Do you speak English?
A bheil Beurla agad?
(a vayl byoor-la ak-ut)
I'm learning Gaelic
Tha mi ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig
(ha mee ak yun-sach-ug gaa-lik)
Could you repeat that?
An gabh sibh sin a ràdh a-rithist?
(an gav shiv shin a raa a-ree-isht)
Where is...?
Càite a bheil...?
(kaach-a vayl)

Common Words

Build your Scottish Gaelic vocabulary with these frequently used words. From food and drinks to important locations, these terms will help you navigate daily life in Scottish Gaelic-speaking areas.

Water
Uisge
(oosh-ka)
Food
Biadh
(bee-ug)
Coffee
Cofaidh
(kof-ee)
Tea
(chee)
Beer
Leann
(lyawn)
Whisky
Uisge-beatha
(oosh-ka beh-uh)
Shop
Bùth
(boo)
Restaurant
Taigh-bìdh
(tie-bee)
Bathroom
Taigh-beag
(tie-bek)
Train station
Stèisean
(stay-shun)

Useful Expressions

Enhance your Scottish Gaelic conversations with these practical expressions. From showing appreciation to expressing emotions, these phrases will help you connect more deeply with Scottish Gaelic speakers.

I love you
Tha gaol agam ort
(ha guyl ak-um orsht)
Cheers!
Slàinte!
(slaan-cha)
Happy Birthday
Co-là-breith sona dhut
(ko la breh son-a ghoot)
Welcome
Fàilte
(faal-cha)
Excuse me
Gabh mo leisgeul
(gav mo laysh-kel)
Sorry
Tha mi duilich
(ha mee doo-lich)
Very good!
Glè mhath!
(glay vah)
Beautiful
Brèagha
(bree-ah)
Delicious
Blasta
(blas-ta)
See you later
Chì mi a-rithist thu
(chee mee a-ree-isht oo)

Numbers 1-10

Master the basic Scottish Gaelic number system with these essential numerals. Understanding numbers is crucial for everything from shopping to telling time in Scottish Gaelic.

1
Aon
(ayn)
2
Dhà
(ghaa)
3
Trì
(tree)
4
Ceithir
(keh-her)
5
Còig
(koh-ik)
6
Sia
(shee-a)
7
Seachd
(shachk)
8
Ochd
(ochk)
9
Naoi
(noo-ee)
10
Deich
(jay-ch)

Pro Tip

In Scottish Gaelic, pronunciation can vary by region. These pronunciations are based on the most common usage, but you might hear slight variations as you travel through Scotland.

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