earbsa
/ˈɛˈɾɛps̪ə/
The English verb 'trust' is translated into Gaelic as earbsa.
The word is used to express being confident in or having reliance upon someone or something.
Meaning: to be confident (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
While it is used to translate the English verb 'to trust', earbsa is actually a noun in Gaelic.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛˈɾɛps̪ə/
Did you know?
- In traditional Gaelic culture, the idea of 'trust' was often tied to the 'geas', a sacred vow or prohibition. Breaking a trust associated with a geas was believed to bring inevitable misfortune.
- In Gaelic, the concept of 'trust' is often expressed through verbs that literally describe 'leaning' on another person, equating emotional reliance with physical support.
- The term earbsa shares a deep linguistic root with words for 'truth' and 'certainty', suggesting that trusting someone is fundamentally linked to believing in an objective truth.
Examples in context
- Cha chuireadh i earbsa asta.She wouldn't trust them.This sentence shows how to use earbsa in a negative context regarding trust.
- Tha mi a' cur creideamh annad.I trust you.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Finlay are discussing a new business partner.
- EilidhAn do chuir thu earbsa an t-duine seo?Did you trust this person?
- FinlayTha, earbsa mi ann.Yes, I trust him.
- EilidhTha sin math, Finlay.That is good, Finlay.
- FinlayIs e duine onraithe e.He is an honest man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry earbsa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
