Basic Phrases

Before we jump into the nitty gritty grammar I felt I should first post a list of some basic words and phrases like "hello" and "thank you."

Here is a list with my best shot at an IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) pronunciation guide. I also use APA (American Phonetic Alphabet) at times. I apologize if I mix them a bit. You will notice that the pronunciation of the words often doesn't sound at all like they are spelled. Yay.

You can also find a native speaker pronouncing these words if you download the free program BYKI for Scottish Gaelic.

Hello/How are you – Ciamar a tha sibh [kɪmara ha: ʃɪf]

Greetings! – Fàilte! [fa:lčə]

 

No – 1) chan eil [han yɛl]        2) chan è [han ɛ:]

Yes – ^(present) tha [ha:] ^(past) bha [va:]

Goodbye – Mar sin leibh [marʃɪn lev]

Thank you – Tapadh leibh [tapa lev]

Good afternoon – Latha math [la: ma:]

Good evening – Feasgar math [fɛsgr ma:]

Good morning – Madainn mhath [makin va:]

Good night – Oidhche mhath [ayʃ^ə va:]