solas
/ˈs̪ɔl̪ˠəs̪/masculine
The Gaelic word for light is solas.
solas is used to refer to light.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When the noun solas is used with the definite article an, it undergoes a mutation to become an t-solas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈs̪ɔl̪ˠəs̪/
Did you know?
- While solas means 'light', the word for 'candle' is coinneal, meaning Gaelic distinguishes strictly between the phenomenon of light and the object producing it.
- In traditional Gaelic folklore, solas is often associated with the 'will-o'-the-wisp', the ghostly lights seen in marshes.
- In Gaelic, the word solas is used not only for physical light but also for 'enlightenment' or 'spiritual guidance'.
Examples in context
- Na dèan cadal leis an t-solas air.Don't go to sleep with the light on.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea of not going to sleep with the solas turned on.Tatoeba #1515507 by Cainntear, translation #1515505 by Cainntear
- Tha an latha cho soilleirThe day is so bright
- Feumaidh sinn an solas a thionndadh.We must turn on the light.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are arranging a room.
- FinlayAn t-solas seo a tha an t-seòlgadh a' toirt.This light that the curtain gives.
- IslaTha e rofhadh, a Finlaigh.It is too dim, Finlay.
- FinlayAn t-solas a bhrosnaichidh mi?Shall I brighten the light?
- IslaTha, mas e do thoil e, Isla.Yes, please, Isla.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries solas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
