slaodach
/ˈs̪l̪ˠɯːt̪əx/
The English word 'slow' can be translated into Gaelic as either mall or slaodach.
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA |
|---|---|
| slaodach | /ˈs̪l̪ˠɯːt̪əx/ |
| mall | /maul̪ˠ/ |
Both words are used to describe something that is not quick in motion.
Which one should you use?
The word mall is the most common way to say 'slow' in everyday speech. In contrast, slaodach is more formal or literary than mall and often carries a connotation of being sluggish or lacking vigor.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈs̪l̪ˠɯːt̪əx/
Did you know?
- The word slaodach comes from the Middle Irish word *sláetach, which meant 'in layers'. This suggests that being slow is conceptually linked to being piled up or weighed down.
- In Gaelic, the word mall can also be used to describe something that is 'late'. The language treats being slow and being behind schedule as closely related concepts.
- The word slaodach can be used to describe the weather as 'oppressive' or 'heavy'. In this context, it refers to the atmosphere rather than the speed of an object.
Examples in context
- Bha an duine, leis a’ chù, cho mall air a’ chnoc.The person with the dog was so slow on the hill.This sentence shows how to use mall to describe a person's speed on a hill.Tatoeba #851904 by marloncori, translation #851955 by marloncori
- Tha an trèan mall.The train is slow.
- Tha an latha a' dol mall an-diugh.The day is passing slowly today.
Example conversation
Mairead and Hamish are walking in the countryside.
- MaireadTha thu slaodach an-diugh, a Hamish!You are slow today, Hamish!
- HamishTha mi sgìth, a Mairead.I am tired, Mairead.
- MaireadCoinnich an sìos.Keep going.
- HamishTha mi a' dèanamh mo dhìleas.I am doing my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries slaodach, mall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mall, slaodach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
