gealach
feminine, standard
The Scottish Gaelic word for "moon" is gealach. It is a feminine noun, so with the article it is a' ghealach, "the moon".
A' ghealach làn is the full moon and a' ghealach ùr is the new moon.
Meaning: natural satellite of the Earth (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because gealach is feminine, you refer to it as i, "she", and not e. After air or aig the form changes to a' ghealaich, as in Seall air a' ghealaich!, "Look at the moon!"
Did you know?
- In Gaelic the moon counts as feminine, so speakers say i, "she", for it where English says "it".
Examples in context
- Tha a' ghealach làn.The moon is full.
- Tha a' ghealach soilleir a-nochd.The moon is bright tonight.
Example conversation
Màiri and Calum walk home at night.
- MàiriSeall air a' ghealaich!Look at the moon!
- CalumTha i làn a-nochd.It is full tonight.
- MàiriTha i brèagha.It is beautiful.
