ciamar a tha thu?
/ˈkʲʰimaɾ ə ha u/word by word
In Gaelic, how are you? Is said as ciamar a tha thu?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or general state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ciamar a tha thu? literally translates to 'how is you?'
Which one should you use?
ciamar a tha thu? is used for singular, informal situations, whereas ciamar a tha sibh? is used for plural or formal situations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Outer Hebrides, Ciamar a tha sibh? is used as a formal way to say 'How are you?'
How does it change in a sentence?
ciamar a tha sibh? is used when addressing more than one person or when using the formal/polite register for a single person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʲʰimaɾ ə ha u/
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Tha mi gu math (I am well).
Did you know?
- The word ciamar is actually a 'collapsed' phrase, acting as a contraction of three distinct words: 'cia', 'e', and 'mar'.
- In some regions, asking Ciamar a tha sibh? to a single person is not just polite but a strict social requirement to show respect for their status or age.
- The word tha is a cognate with the Irish word tá and the Manx word ta, showing a shared linguistic ancestor across the Goidelic languages.
Example conversation
Hamish and Eilidh meet on the street.
- HamishDia dhut, Eilidh! Ciamar a tha thu?Good day, Eilidh! How are you?
- EilidhTha mi gu math, a Hamish. Agus thu fhèin?I am well, Hamish. And yourself?
- HamishTha mi gu math cuideachd, tapadh leat.I am well also, thank you.
- EilidhTha sin math a chluinntinn!That is good to hear!
