thig an seo
/hikʲ ən̪ˠ ʃɔ(h)/word by word
thig an seo is the Gaelic way to say "come here".
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to use a formal/polite tone, the verb changes from thig to thigibh, making the phrase thigibh an seo.
How do you pronounce it?
/hikʲ ən̪ˠ ʃɔ(h)/
Did you know?
- Gaelic often uses 'directional' logic rather than 'locational' logic. While thig an seo means 'come here', the language has a rich system of particles to indicate exactly how someone is moving toward the speaker.
- Using the singular 'thig' to address a stranger might be seen as quite blunt or even rude in certain Highland communities, as it lacks the polite 'thigibh' form.
- While 'thig an seo' is a command, the word 'seo' actually functions as a demonstrative, meaning 'this' one. You are literally telling someone to 'come this here'.
Example conversation
Angus is calling Catriona from across the room.
- AngusCatriona, thig an seo.Catriona, come here.
- CatrionaDè tha thu ag iarraidh?What do you want?
- AngusSeall air an rud seo.Look at this thing.
- CatrionaTha mi a' tighinn.I am coming.
