Tha
answer to "Am bheil"
Scottish Gaelic has no single word for "yes". You answer by repeating the verb of the question, so Tha is the answer to a question that starts with A bheil. It is also called 'S e and Seadh.
Meaning: affirmative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| Tha | answer to "Am bheil" |
| 'S e | answer to "An e" |
| Seadh | indeed |
If the question starts with An e or An i, you answer 'S e or 'S i. For the past tense the answer is Bha, "was". Seadh can also be used to mean "yes, indeed".
Which one should you use?
The negative answer follows the same pattern, so Chan eil is "no" to a question with A bheil.
Did you know?
- Irish and Scottish Gaelic both answer a yes or no question by repeating the verb, which is why neither has a plain word for "yes".
Examples in context
- A bheil thu sgìth? Tha.Are you tired? Yes.
- An e tidsear a th' annad? 'S e.Are you a teacher? Yes.
- An robh thu ann? Bha.Were you there? Yes.
Example conversation
Calum asks Màiri whether she is coming to the ceilidh.
- CalumA bheil thu a' tighinn?Are you coming?
- MàiriTha.Yes.
- CalumMath.Good.
