sgàthan
masculine
The Gaelic word for mirror is sgàthan.
sgàthan refers to a smooth reflecting surface.
Meaning: smooth reflecting surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
sgàthan is a masculine noun. When using the definite article to say "the mirror", use an sgàthan. To refer to multiple mirrors, the plural form is sgàthanan.
Did you know?
- In Gaelic folklore, mirrors were often covered or hidden during wakes and funerals to prevent the spirit of the deceased from being trapped or lured by their own reflection.
- In Gaelic, the word for 'mirror' sgàthan is derived from a root meaning 'shining' or 'glittering'.
- In some traditional Gaelic charms, mirrors were believed to ward off the 'evil eye' by reflecting the gaze of the onlooker back at them.
Examples in context
- Feumaidh mi ceannach sgàthan ùr.I need to buy a new mirror.
- Tha an sgàthan briste.The mirror is broken.
Example conversation
Hamish and Mairead are getting ready in the bathroom.
- HamishA bheil an sgàthan glan?Is the mirror clean?
- MaireadChan eil, tha e salach.No, it is dirty.
- HamishAn tòisich mi air e a ghlanachadh?Shall I start cleaning it?
- MaireadTapadh leat, a Hamish.Thank you, Hamish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mirror” translations and entries sgàthan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
