nighean
standard
The usual word for "girl" in Scottish Gaelic is nighean. Caileag is another common word for a girl or young woman.
Meaning: young female person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| nighean | standard |
| caileag | everyday |
Nighean also means "daughter", so an nighean agam can mean "my daughter". Caileag is used for a girl without the family sense.
Which one should you use?
In a mixed group, say caileag to be clear that you mean a girl and not a daughter.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are feminine, so "the girl" is an nighean and "the little girl" is an nighean bheag, with beag softened.
Did you know?
- The women's surname prefix Nic, as in NicDhòmhnaill, comes from nighean mhic, meaning "daughter of the son of".
Examples in context
- Tha an nighean aig an taigh.The girl is at home.
- Tha caileag bheag ann.There is a little girl there.
- Tha nighean agam.I have a daughter.
Example conversation
Two neighbours talk about the children on their street.
- AnnaCò an nighean sin?Who is that girl?
- MairiIs e Ciorstaidh an t-ainm a th' oirre.Her name is Ciorstaidh.
- AnnaTha i brèagha.She is lovely.
