balach
standard
The usual word for "boy" in Scottish Gaelic is balach. Gille is also used for a lad or a young fellow.
Meaning: young male person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| balach | standard |
| gille | lad |
Balach is a masculine noun for a boy, often one of school age.
Which one should you use?
Gille can mean "lad" and also "fellow", and it appears in many Gaelic names such as Gilleasbuig.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of balach is balaich. When you call to a boy named Calum you say a Chaluim.
Did you know?
- The Gaelic name Gilleasbuig, behind the name Archibald, includes the word gille.
Examples in context
- Tha am balach a' cluich ball-coise.The boy is playing football.
- Tha balach beag aice.She has a little boy.
Example conversation
Mairi talks to a neighbour about her son.
- MairiTha balach agam.I have a boy.
- AnnaDè an aois a th' aige?How old is he?
- MairiTha e seachd bliadhna a dh'aois.He is seven years old.
