sònraichte
/ˈs̪ɔ̃ːɾiçtʲə/
The English word "special" is translated into Gaelic as sònraichte. Wiktionary also lists àraidh.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA |
|---|---|
| sònraichte | /ˈs̪ɔ̃ːɾiçtʲə/ /ˈs̪õːɾiçtʲ(ə)/ (Lewis) |
| àraidh | /ˈaːr̥ˠhɪ/ |
The adjective describes something of particular interest or value. Certain. Dear. Beloved. Favored.
Which one should you use?
While sònraichte is the common word for "special", the form àraidh is used to mean "certain", "particular" or "specific".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Scottish Gaelic, the word for "special" is sònraichte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sònraichte is used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns, as well as for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈs̪ɔ̃ːɾiçtʲə/
Did you know?
- The Latin word sine, meaning 'without', shares a prehistoric connection with the Gaelic word for 'special'.
- If you want to be intentionally vague about a 'certain' person or thing, you would use àraidh rather than sònraichte.
- While the English word 'special' often suggests something extra has been added, the root of sònraichte implies something that is 'apart' from everything else.
Examples in context
- Oíche speisialtaSpecial night
- An oidhche sònraichte a bh' annIt was a special night
- Céilidh sònraichteA special ceilidh
Example conversation
Isla is giving Hamish a gift for his birthday.
- IslaSeo rude sònraichte dhut, a Hamish.Here is something special for you, Hamish.
- HamishO, tapadh leat, a Isla!Oh, thank you, Isla!
- IslaAn toil leat e?Do you like it?
- HamishTha e sgoinneil, tapadh leat.It is brilliant, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “special” translations and entries sònraichte, àraidh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sònraichte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
