seanmhair
standard
The Scottish Gaelic word for "grandmother" is seanmhair.
It is the ordinary word for a grandmother on either side of the family.
Meaning: mother of one's parent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Sean means "old" and the second part is màthair, "mother", so seanmhair is literally "old mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
After mo the word softens to mo sheanmhair, "my grandmother".
Did you know?
- The word for a grandmother is built from sean and màthair just as the word for a grandfather is built from sean and athair.
Examples in context
- Tha mo sheanmhair a' fuireach air an eilean.My grandmother lives on the island.
- Tha mo sheanmhair air leabhar a leughadh.My grandmother has read a book.
Example conversation
Calum visits his grandmother after school.
- CalumMadainn mhath, a sheanmhair.Good morning, grandmother.
- SeanmhairMadainn mhath, a Chaluim.Good morning, Calum.
- CalumCiamar a tha thu an-diugh?How are you today?
