a ghràidh
endearment
Scottish Gaelic has several tender ways to say "darling". The most common is a ghràidh, meaning "my love". M' eudail ("my treasure") and a chridhe ("heart") are also warm.
Meaning: term of endearment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| a ghràidh | endearment |
| m' eudail | endearment |
| a chridhe | endearment |
A ghràidh is used to a partner, a child or a good friend, and it works for a man or a woman.
What does it mean word for word?
Gràdh means "love". In the vocative, when you call someone by it, it becomes a ghràidh.
How does it change in a sentence?
The little word a before the name marks that you are calling to someone, and the next word is softened.
Did you know?
- The word eudail on its own can also mean "treasure" or "dear one".
Examples in context
- Madainn mhath, a ghràidh.Good morning, darling.
- Tapadh leat, m' eudail.Thank you, darling.
- Oidhche mhath, a chridhe.Good night, darling.
Example conversation
Mairi speaks to her little daughter before bed.
- MairiOidhche mhath, a ghràidh.Good night, darling.
- CiorstaidhOidhche mhath, a mhamaidh.Good night, mum.
- MairiChì mi thu sa mhadainn.I will see you in the morning.
