cadalach
The Gaelic word for sleepy is cadalach.
cadalach is an adjective used to describe someone who is feeling the need for sleep. Note that the word sgìth can also be used to express being tired or weary.
Meaning: feeling the need for sleep (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective cadalach does not change its form when used in the plural.
Did you know?
- In Gaelic, if you want to say you are 'very sleepy', you might use the word fìor instead of just an intensifier, which literally translates to 'true' or 'real' sleepiness.
- The root word cadal for 'sleep' is shared with the Manx language, where it appears as caadal.
- The word cadal is closely related to the Old Irish word caidil, showing that the core of the word 'sleepy' has remained stable for over a millennium.
Example conversation
Finlay and Eilidh are sitting in the living room late at night.
- FinlayTha thu coltach gu bheil thu cadalach, Eilidh.You look like you are sleepy, Eilidh.
- EilidhTha, tha mi guailcadalach a dhìreach.Yes, I am really sleepy.
- FinlayAn tèid thu don chamedh a-nis?Will you go to bed now?
- EilidhTha, bidh mi ann sa mhionaid.Yes, I will be there in a minute.
