fan
The Gaelic word for 'stay' is fan.
The word is a verb meaning to remain in a particular place.
Meaning: to remain in a particular place (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
fan is the imperative form, which is used when you are commanding someone to stay.
Did you know?
- While it sounds exactly like the English word 'fan', the Gaelic fan has no etymological connection to air, wind or cooling devices.
- In certain traditional contexts, telling someone to 'stay' can be a way of expressing hospitality, implying they should not rush away.
- The Old Irish root anaid connects the act of 'staying' to the concept of endurance, implying that staying is an act of persisting through time.
Examples in context
- Fan an seo, le do thoil.Please stay here.
- Fan an seo.Stay here.
Example conversation
Angus and Isla are discussing their travel plans.
- AngusAn robh thu ag iarraidh fannd?Did you want to stay?
- IslaCha robh mi, ach tha mi sgìth.I didn't, but I am tired.
- AngusFan an seo airson uair.Stay here for an hour.
- IslaTha sin math, a Angus.That is good, Angus.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
