fada
/ˈfat̪ə/
The English word 'long' is translated into Gaelic as fada. Wiktionary also lists a dh'fhaid.
Meaning: having much distance from one point to another (adj)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA |
|---|---|
| fada | /ˈfat̪ə/ |
| a dh'fhaid |
fada is used to describe something having much distance from one point to another. It is also used as an adverb to describe a long duration of time, such as in the phrase fada an uair (a long time).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfat̪ə/
Did you know?
- In the Gaelic alphabet, the term fada refers to the acute accent mark used over vowels to change their sound. While it literally means 'long', it describes the long vowel sound produced by the mark.
- The word fada shares a common ancestor with the Manx word foddey, connecting Gaelic speech to the Isle of Man.
- While fada describes length, Gaelic speakers often use different words for 'tall' when describing people, distinguishing between horizontal and vertical length.
Examples in context
- tha e ceithir òirlich a dh'fhaidIt's four inches longThis sentence shows how to use a dh'fhaid to express a specific measurement in inches.
- Bha agam ri feitheamh fada ro fhada.I had to wait far too long.This example demonstrates using fada to describe a long duration of time.
- Tha a falt fada.Her hair is long.This sentence shows fada being used to describe the length of hair.Tatoeba #1516396 by Cainntear, translation #309627 by CK
- Tha an rathad gle fada.The road is very long.
- 'S e rathad fhada a th' ann an seo.This is a long road.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hamish and Eilidh are looking at a map of a hiking trail.
- HamishA bheil an t-slighe seo fada?Is this path long?
- EilidhTha, tha e gu math fada.Yes, it is quite long.
- HamishAn t-eilg e ro fada dhuinn?Is it too long for us?
- EilidhChan eil, bidh sinn sàbhail.No, we will be fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “long” translations and entries fada, a dh'fhaid, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, fada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
