Useful Phrases

1. Is Seapanach mi.

   I'm Japanese.

   Usage

   Stating your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "A is B" uses the copula in the order Is + B + A. Use "is", not "tha"

2. Tha mi a' siubhal leam fhìn.

   I'm traveling alone.

   Usage

   Telling people you travel alone

   Grammar Note

   "leam fhìn" (with myself) means "alone". "a' siubhal" is "travelling"

3. Seo a' chiad thuras agam an seo.

   It's my first time here.

   Usage

   Saying it is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "a' chiad" (the first) lenites the following noun (turas → thuras)

4. Tha mi an seo air saor-làithean.

   I'm here on holiday.

   Usage

   An answer about why you are visiting

   Grammar Note

   "saor-làithean" means holidays; "air" here means "on"

5. An urrainn dhomh dealbh a thogail?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   The verbal noun "togail" (from "tog") is used: "dealbh a thogail" means "to take a photo"

6. Na meall mi!

   Don't cheat me!

   Usage

   A firm protest against cheating or lies

   Grammar Note

   A negative command is "Na" + the verb stem; "meall" means deceive

7. Na dèan tàir orm!

   Don't look down on me!

   Usage

   A firm reply to being disrespected

   Grammar Note

   "dèan tàir air" means "scorn"; "air" becomes "orm" (on me)

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