piuthar bheag
The Gaelic phrase for little sister is piuthar bheag.
This phrase is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker.
Did you know?
- The word piuthar shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'sister'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *swésōr.
- In some Gaelic dialects, terms for younger siblings can be used affectionately as nicknames, even after the 'little sister' has grown into an adult.
- Gaelic has a rich system of 'sibling' vocabulary that allows speakers to specify the exact birth order and gender of a sibling within a single word.
Example conversation
Angus is introducing his family to Eilidh.
- AngusSeo mo piuthar bheag.This is my little sister.
- EilidhHalo! Is mise Eilidh.Hello! I am Eilidh.
- AngusTha i piuthar bheag sgìth.She is a tired little sister.
- EilidhTha i cho naomh!She is so sweet!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piuthar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
