Teine-fiadhaich
The English word "wildfire" is translated into Gaelic as Teine-fiadhaich.
Teine-fiadhaich refers to a rapidly spreading fire.
Meaning: rapidly spreading fire (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of teine (fire) and fiadhaich (wild).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Teine-fiadhaich is masculine and follows the standard pattern for masculine nouns in Gaelic.
Did you know?
- The root of fiadhaich is shared with the word for 'deer', fiadh, reflecting a cultural view that the 'wild' is defined by the animals that inhabit it.
- In Gaelic folklore, the word teine is often associated with 'will-o'-the-wisps', known as teine-sithe or 'fairy fire', which leads travelers astray in the marshes.
- The adjective fiadhaich can also be used poetically to describe a person's temperament, implying someone who is spirited or unconventional.
Examples in context
- Tha an teine-fiadhaich a' sguabadh tro na beanntan.The wildfire is sweeping through the mountains.
Example conversation
Hamish and Catriona see smoke in the distance.
- HamishSeall air an t-smùid, Catriona!Look at the smoke, Catriona!
- CatrionaAn e teine-fiadhaich a th' ann?Is it a wildfire?
- HamishIs e, tha e a' sabaid gu luath.Yes, it is spreading quickly.
- CatrionaFeumaidh sinn fiosgachadh don phòlis.We must call the police.
