sgian
/s̪kʲiən/feminine
The Gaelic word for knife is sgian.
sgian is a noun used to describe a utensil or tool designed for cutting. In a specific cultural context, the term is used in the phrase Sgian-dubh, which means "black knife" and refers to a traditional Scottish knife.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
sgian is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/s̪kʲiən/
Did you know?
- The word sgian shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'science', as both trace back to concepts of 'cutting' or 'distinguishing' information.
- The Sgian-dubh is traditionally worn tucked into the top of the hose or sock, rather than on a belt, to keep it accessible while dancing.
- Despite the word dubh meaning 'black', the blade of a Sgian-dubh is usually polished steel and not black in color.
Examples in context
- Tha sgian aig an t-seann duine.The old man has a knife.
- Tha an sgian gu math leisg.The knife is very sharp.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Finlay are preparing food in the kitchen.
- EilidhFinlay, a bheil sgian an seo?Finlay, is there a knife here?
- FinlayTha, tha sgian anns an t-sruthan.Yes, there is a knife in the drawer.
- EilidhTapadh leat, tha mi ag iarraidh sgian mhòr.Thank you, I want a big knife.
- FinlaySeo an sgian as fheàrr.Here is the best knife.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries sgian, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
