rathad
/ˈrˠa.at̪/masculine
The English word 'road' is translated into Gaelic as rathad or slighe.
Meaning: a way for travel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rathad | /ˈrˠa.at̪/ /ˈrˠa.ət̪/ |
masculine |
| slighe | /ˈʃli.ə/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to a way for travel, but they are used in different contexts depending on what kind of road is being described.
Which one should you use?
rathad typically refers to a physical, paved or constructed road. In contrast, slighe often refers to a route, a path or a way of travel, which can be more abstract or traditional in nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
rathad is a masculine noun, while slighe is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word rathad is pronounced /ˈrˠa.at̪/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In traditional Gaelic folklore, a slighe might be used to describe a 'fairy path', which people avoided building over to prevent bad luck.
- The word rathad has its roots in the Old Irish rót, which actually described the action of movement itself rather than just the physical surface being moved upon.
- The noun slighe can be used to describe a 'way' or 'method' of doing something, acting as a synonym for 'technique' in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- Tha an rathad cunnartach, oir tha deigh ann.The road is dangerous because there’s ice on it.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of the rathad.
- Aire air an rathad!Pay attention on the road.This sentence is useful for giving a warning regarding safety on the rathad.Tatoeba #3577547 by emigonza, translation #9700638 by AlanF_US
- Bha mi air an rathad dhan bhaile.I was on the road to the town.This sentence is useful for describing a journey being taken on the rathad.Tatoeba #851918 by marloncori, translation #851944 by marloncori
- Chan eil mi cinnteach cò às a thàinig an rathad ùr seo.I'm not sure where this new road came from.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Callum and Mairead are talking about their journey.
- CallumA bheil an rathad fada?Is the road long?
- MaireadCha e, tha e goirid.No, it is short.
- CallumAn e rathad math a th' ann?Is it a good road?
- MaireadTha, tha e gu math rèidh.Yes, it is very smooth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “road” translations and entries rathad, slighe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rathad, slighe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
