pas
The Gaelic word for 'pass' is pas.
pas is a verb meaning to move or be moved from one place to another.
Meaning: to move or be moved from one place to another (verb)
Did you know?
- Gaelic has specific ways of describing 'passing time' that treat time as something that moves past the person, rather than the person moving through time.
- If you are talking about a 'mountain pass', Gaelic often uses the word bealach, which carries a more descriptive sense of a 'way' or 'path' than the simple English 'pass'.
- When talking about the 'passing' of a person, Gaelic speakers often avoid the directness of a movement verb and instead use phrases that imply the person has 'gone' or 'departed' to a different state.
Example conversation
Catriona and Angus are waiting for a parade to move past them.
- CatrionaAn t-àm a' pas a-nis.The time is passing now.
- AngusTha iad a' tighinn.They are coming.
- CatrionaPas iad an t-slighe gu luath.They pass the way quickly.
- AngusTha sin ceart, a Chaitrìona.That is right, Catriona.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
