geal
standard
The Scottish Gaelic word for "white" is geal. As with other adjectives it comes after the noun, as in sneachd geal. It is also called bàn.
Meaning: the colour white (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| geal | standard |
| bàn | fair, pale |
Which one should you use?
Bàn means fair or pale, and is used for fair hair or a pale look. In names it appears as a nickname such as Iain Bàn, "fair John".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say something is white, use Tha and then geal, for example Tha an sneachd geal, "The snow is white".
Did you know?
- The word bàn is often found in nicknames, because fair-haired people were told apart this way from others with the same name.
Examples in context
- Tha an sneachd geal.The snow is white.
- Tha falt bàn aige.He has fair hair.
Example conversation
Màiri and Calum describe a house they pass.
- MàiriDè an dath a th' air an taigh?What colour is the house?
- CalumTha an taigh geal.The house is white.
- MàiriTha e brèagha.It is beautiful.
