mathan
standard
The Scottish Gaelic word for "bear" is mathan.
Mathan is a masculine noun and names the animal in stories and in everyday talk.
Meaning: large furry animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective follows the noun, so "a big brown bear" is mathan mòr donn.
When do people say it?
Bears do not live wild in Scotland today, so the word mostly appears in stories and talk about other countries.
Did you know?
- Because mathan is masculine, "the bear" is am mathan.
Examples in context
- Tha mathan mòr donn san sgeulachd.There is a big brown bear in the story.
- Chan eil mathan ann an Alba.There are no bears in Scotland.
Example conversation
A teacher shows a picture book to a child in a Gaelic school.
- TidsearDè tha seo?What is this?
- LeanabhTha mathan ann.It is a bear.
- TidsearGlè mhath.Very good.
