Rach
To go
Usage
The imperative "go!", used as the base form of the verb
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun is "dol"
Thig
To come
Usage
The imperative "come!", also used for arrivals
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun is "tighinn"
Ith
To eat
Usage
The basic verb for anything about meals
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The past is "dh'ith", as in "Dh'ith mi" (I ate)
Òl
To drink
Usage
The basic verb for anything about drinks
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun has the same form, "òl"
Ceannaich
To buy
Usage
The basic verb for shopping
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun is "ceannach"
Faic
To see
Usage
The imperative "see!", the basic verb for seeing
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun is "faicinn"; "coimhead" means "look, watch"
Fuirich
To wait
Usage
The imperative "wait!"; it also means "stay"
Grammar Note
Imperative form. The verbal noun is "fuireach"; the plural/polite imperative is "fuirichibh"
Tha mi ag iarraidh a dhol ann
I want to go (there)
Usage
When you want to go somewhere
Grammar Note
"iarraidh" is the verbal noun meaning "wanting"; "a dhol" is the lenited "dol" (going)
Bu mhath leam rudeigin ithe
I'd like to eat something
Usage
To say you would like to eat
Grammar Note
"Bu mhath leam …" is a polite way to say "I'd like …"; "mhath" is the lenited "math"
Bu mhath leam seo
I'd like this
Usage
To say what you want while pointing at it
Grammar Note
"I want" is expressed with "Bu mhath leam …" or "Tha mi ag iarraidh …"
Chan eil feum agam air
I don't need it
Usage
For politely turning down something offered
Grammar Note
Literally "there is no need at me for it"; "feum" means "need"
Tha mi ga shireadh
I'm looking for it
Usage
To say you are searching for something
Grammar Note
"ga" is "ag + a" (it) and lenites the next word (sireadh becomes shireadh)
Tha e agam
I have it
Usage
To answer that you have what was asked for
Grammar Note
"Have" is expressed with "aig" (at), and "agam" means "at me"
Chan eil e agam
I don't have it
Usage
To answer that you do not have what was asked for
Grammar Note
"Chan eil" is the negative; "have" is expressed with "aig"
Bu mhath leam airgead a thoirt a-mach
I'd like to withdraw money
Usage
For withdrawing cash at a bank or cash machine
Grammar Note
"thoirt" is the lenited "toirt" (giving); "a thoirt a-mach" means "to take out"
Bu mhath leam seòmar a ghlèidheadh
I'd like to reserve a room
Usage
For booking a room at an inn or hotel
Grammar Note
"ghlèidheadh" is the lenited "glèidheadh" (keeping, reserving)
Cuidichibh mi leis, mas e ur toil e
Please help me with it
Usage
For asking for help with a specific task such as luggage or a form
Grammar Note
"leis" is "le + e" (with it); "cuidichibh" is the plural/polite imperative
Innsibh dhomh, mas e ur toil e
Please tell me
Usage
For asking someone to tell you directions or information
Grammar Note
"innsibh" is the plural/polite imperative of "innis" (tell); "dhomh" means "to me" (do + mi)
More Scottish Gaelic phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences