Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tapadh leibh | addressee singular | |
| mòran taing | /ˈmoːɾan tʰaiɲc/ (word by word) | |
| taing mhòr | ||
| gun robh math agad | /kɔ ɾo ˈmɛʔ akət̪/ /kə ɾə ˈmɛʔ ɑ(kə)t̪/ |
informal |
| gun robh math agaibh | [kɔɾo ˈmɛʔ aɡ̥ɪv] (narrow) | |
| tapadh leat | addressee singular, informal |
Gaelic uses several different expressions to convey gratitude depending on whether you are being formal or informal, and whether you are speaking to one person or many. You can use tapadh leat or tapadh leibh for a standard thank you, or use more emphatic phrases like mòran taing and taing mhòr.
Which one should you use?
The choice between tapadh leat and tapadh leibh depends on the number of people you are addressing and the level of respect required. Tapadh leat is used for a single person you know well, whereas tapadh leibh is used for a group or to show formal respect. For more emphasis, mòran taing is a common way to say 'many thanks' or 'thanks a lot'. Additionally, gun robh math agad can be used informally, whereas the plural or formal version is gun robh math agaibh.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tapadh leat and gun robh math agad are informal ways to express thanks. In contrast, tapadh leibh and mòran taing are used in formal situations. Mòran taing specifically translates to 'many thanks'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Scottish areas, tapadh leibh is used as a formal expression for thank you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tapadh leibh is used when addressing more than one person or when using the formal second-person plural. Similarly, gun robh math agaibh is the plural or formal version of gun robh math agad.
Did you know?
- The word tapadh in tapadh leat originally referred to the act of 'covering' or 'paying', suggesting that thanks were once viewed as a form of payment for a kindness.
- If you use the phrase gun robh math agad, you are literally saying 'may good be at you'.
- The Gaelic word taing is a distant relative of the English word 'thank', as they both descend from the same ancient Germanic roots.
Examples in context
- Tapadh leibh airson am fiosrachadh.Thank you for the information.This sentence shows how to use tapadh leibh to thank someone for information.Tatoeba #5765415 by Catriona, translation #19143 by CK
- Taing mhòr!Thank you very much!This sentence demonstrates the use of taing mhòr.Tatoeba #773264 by marloncori, translation #1564 by adjusting
- Tapadh leat!Thank you!This sentence provides an example of the informal tapadh leat.Tatoeba #1516051 by Cainntear, translation #374827 by sysko
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angus hands Mairead a cup of tea.
- MaireadTapadh leibh, a Angus.Thank you, Angus.
- AngusTha fálbhail agad.You are welcome.
- MaireadTha an t-uaine glè math.The tea is very good.
- AngusTha mi toilichte gu robh e math.I am glad it was good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries tapadh leibh, mòran taing, taing mhòr, gun robh math agad, gun robh math agaibh, tapadh leat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mòran, taing) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leat, leibh, taing, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
