caillte
The Gaelic word for lost is caillte.
The word is used as an adjective to describe someone or something that is unable to find its way.
Meaning: unable to find one's way (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the past participle of the verb caill, which means to lose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form caillte is the plural or feminine form of the adjective. It is used when describing multiple people or a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The root verb caill is also the basis for the word caillte, which can be used to describe a person who has 'lost' their temper or their way of life, not just their physical location.
- In a spiritual context, using caillte can imply a person has lost their soul or their sense of purpose, rather than just being physically lost.
- Depending on whether you are in Ireland or Scotland, the spelling and pronunciation of this word will shift slightly despite the shared origin.
Examples in context
- Tha sinn caillte.We are lost.
Example conversation
Isla and Finlay are walking in a forest.
- IslaFinlay, tha mi caillte.Finlay, I am lost.
- FinlayNa gabh air anail, Isla.Don't panic, Isla.
- IslaCò ris an t-sluagh caillte seo?Who is this lost crowd?
- FinlayTha anMapa an seo.The map is here.
