Alba
/ˈaˈl̪ˠa.pə/feminine
The Gaelic word for Scotland is Alba.
Alba is the name used for the constituent country of the United Kingdom located to the north of England.
Meaning: constituent country of the United Kingdom to the north of England (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
While Alba is the standard form, it changes to Albainn when used after prepositions such as ann an (in). To refer to a person from Scotland or to use the adjective 'Scottish', use the word Albannach.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaˈl̪ˠa.pə/
Did you know?
- The name Alba shares the same root as the archaic English name for Britain, 'Albion'.
- In modern political contexts, Alba is often used as a shorthand for the concept of Scottish independence.
- The word Alba is frequently seen on posters and banners across Scotland today, even by people who do not speak Gaelic.
Examples in context
- Tha Loch Laomainn ann an Albainn.Loch Lomond is in Scotland.This sentence shows how to use the form Alba after the preposition 'ann an'.
- Cuine a bhios tu a' tighinn a dh'Alba?When will you be coming to Scotland?This sentence shows how to use the form Alba after the preposition 'a dh''.Tatoeba #773193 by marloncori, translation #773196 by marloncori
- Chan eil sinn a' fuireach ann an Alba fhathast.We don't live in Scotland yet.Tatoeba #847774 by marloncori, translation #847777 by marloncori
- Tha mi a' fuireach ann an Alba.I live in Scotland.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Isla and Callum are discussing their travel plans for the summer.
- IslaA bheil thu a' dol gu Alba an t-samhradh?Are you going to Scotland in the summer?
- CallumTha, bidh mi a' tachairt air mo theaghlach.Yes, I will be visiting my family.
- IslaIs toil leam Alba gu mòr.I like Scotland very much.
- CallumIs e Alba an àite as fheàrr san t-saoghal.Scotland is the best place in the world.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scotland” translations and entries Alba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Alba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
