màthair
standard, mother
The Scottish Gaelic word for "mom" or "mother" is màthair. Children and affectionate adults also say mamaidh, "mummy".
Meaning: mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| màthair | standard, mother |
| mamaidh | child speech, mummy |
Màthair is the standard word in speech and writing. When you speak about your own mother it becomes mo mhàthair, "my mother".
Which one should you use?
Mamaidh is the warm, childlike form, while màthair is the neutral one used in sentences about someone's mother.
Did you know?
- After mo, "my", the first letter of màthair softens in writing and becomes mhàthair.
Examples in context
- Tha mo mhàthair aig an taigh.My mother is at home.
- Tha gaol agam air mo mhàthair.I love my mother.
- Mamaidh, thig an seo!Mummy, come here!
Example conversation
Màiri tells Calum about her mother.
- CalumCò an tè sin?Who is that woman?
- MàiriIs i mo mhàthair a th' ann.She is my mother.
- CalumTha i coibhneil.She is kind.
