Gàidhlig
The name of the Irish language in Gaelic is Gàidhlig.
Gàidhlig refers to the Gaelic language. In Scottish Gaelic, Gàidhlig specifically refers to the Scottish Gaelic language.
Meaning: the language (name)
Which one should you use?
While Gàidhlig is used for the language, the adjective used to describe something pertaining to or originating from the country of Ireland or the Irish people is Èireannach.
Related words
Did you know?
- Gàidhlig is part of a family of languages that allows for a unique 'initial consonant mutation', meaning the first letter of the word can change depending on the grammar of the sentence.
- The word Gàidhlig is a cognate of the Manx language name Gaelg, showing the interconnected history of these islands.
- The term Gàidhlig shares a common root with the English word 'Gael', though the pronunciation and spelling have diverged significantly over centuries.
Examples in context
- A bheil Gàidhlig na h-Èireann agad?Do you speak Irish?This sentence is useful for asking if someone speaks Gàidhlig.Tatoeba #5749912 by Catriona, translation #2714042 by mailohilohi
- Chan eil ach beagan Gàidhlig na h-Èireann agam.I only speak a little Irish.This sentence is useful for stating that you only speak a little bit of Gàidhlig.Tatoeba #5749908 by Catriona, translation #5749910 by Catriona
- Bhí siad ag damhsa i stíl Ghaelach.They were dancing in a Gaelic style.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eilidh and Finlay are discussing their language studies.
- EilidhA bheil thu ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig?Are you learning Irish?
- FinlayTha, tha mi ag ionnsachadh a dh'uamh.Yes, I am learning it now.
- EilidhTha Gàidhlig na h-Èireann gu math dùbh.Irish is quite difficult.
- FinlayTha i doirbh, ach tha i euchail.It is hard, but it is beautiful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gàidhlig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
