mòran
/ˈmoːɾan/
The Gaelic word for "much" is mòran.
mòran is used to indicate a large amount or number of something. It can be used in negative sentences to mean "not much" or "not many".
Meaning: a large amount of (det)
How does it change in a sentence?
mòran is versatile and is used for both uncountable nouns (much) and countable nouns (many).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoːɾan/
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'too much', you do not simply add a word for 'too', but often use ro mór, which literally means 'too big'.
- In Gaelic, the word mòran is often used with the preposition le to mean 'with much', a structure quite different from English 'a lot of'.
- In certain Scottish Gaelic dialects, you might hear 'mòran' used to intensify adjectives, behaving more like the English word 'very' than 'much'.
Examples in context
- Mòran taing!Thank you very much!This sentence shows how to use mòran to express thanks.Tatoeba #773263 by marloncori, translation #1564 by adjusting
- Tha mòran obair againn.We have much work.
- Bha iad toilichte gu mòr.They were very happy.
- Chan eil mòran de dh'obair ann.There isn't much work.
- Chan eil mòran uisge ann.There is not much water.
- Tha mòran obair ri dhèanamh.There is much work to do.
Example conversation
Finlay and Eilidh are talking about their work.
- FinlayA bheil mòran obair agad an-diugh, Eilidh?Do you have much work today, Eilidh?
- EilidhTha, tha mòran dh'obair agam.Yes, I have much work.
- FinlayCan I help you with it?Can I help you with it?
- EilidhTha sin gu math kind, a Finlay.That is very kind, Finlay.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mòran, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
