bàta
/ˈpaːʰt̪ə/feminine, masculine
The Gaelic word for "boat" is bàta.
The word bàta is used to refer to a water craft, such as a vessel or a ship.
Meaning: water craft (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bàta is bàtaichean.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaːʰt̪ə/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word bàta was actually borrowed from Old English 'bāt'.
- Because the word 'boat' is so central to Highland history, many place names in Scotland contain linguistic traces of ancient vessel terms.
- Historically, Gaelic speakers used different terms for boats based on whether they were propelled by oars or sails, though bàta now serves as a general term.
Examples in context
- Bha am bàta fo sheòl.The boat was under sail.This sentence is useful for describing a boat being under sail using bàta.Tatoeba #851983 by marloncori, translation #851984 by marloncori
- Tha an bàta beag.The boat is small.
Example conversation
Angus and Catriona are standing by the shore.
- AngusCàite a bheil am bàta, a Chatriona?Where is the boat, Catriona?
- CatrionaTha am bàta an seo.The boat is here.
- AngusAn tòisich sinn a-nis?Shall we start now?
- CatrionaTha mi deiseil.I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boat” translations and entries bàta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bàta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
