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Here are some phrases used in everyday Gaelic - enough to give you a smattering to try out during your visit to the islands! You'll find that all the Hebridean Gaels can also speak English, and usually in shops, cafes and so on, the assistants will ask visitors what they would like in English. However if you do make an effort and try out your Gaelic, they'll be very pleased and will help practise if you want to!
| Gaelic | English | Phonetic |
| Fàilte | Welcome | faaltshæ |
| Madainn mhath | Good morning | matin vah |
| Latha math | Good day / It's a nice day | laah mah |
| Feasgar math | Good afternoon / evening | fesker mah |
| Oidhche mhath | Good night! | oychæ vah |
| Tiaraidh an dràsda | Cheerio for now! | tsheearee an draasha |
| Gabh mo leisgeul | Excuse me | gav mo leshkæl |
| Tha mi duilich | I am sorry | haa mee doolich |
| Tapadh leibh | Thank you | tahpæ levy |
| Mòran taing | Many thanks | mohræn tigh -ng |
| 'Se ur beatha | You're welcome | shey oor behah |
| Ciamar a tha sibh? | How are you (polite/plural form)? | keemar æ haa sheev |
| Ciamar a tha thu? | How are you (informal)? | keemar æ haa oo |
| Tha gu math, tapadh leibh | Very well, thank you | haa goo mah, tahpæ levy |
| Chan eil dona | Not bad | chan yeyll donnæ |
| Tha mi sgìth | I'm tired | haa mee skee |
| Tha e fliuch | It is raining | haa eh flyooch |
| Tha e blàth | It is warm | haa ej blaah |
| oifis a' phuist | Post Office | offish æ foo-ish-tsh |
| Fòn | Phone | fohn |
| Taigh-òsda | Hotel | tigh ohstæ |
| Taigh-beag | Toilet (lit. the wee room!) | tigh bek |
| An taigh tasgaidh | Museum | æn tigh tasskee |
| glè mhath! | Very good! | glay vaa |
For more everday Gaelic and some soundfiles to help you with your pronunciation, have a look at BBC Alba's everyday Gaelic page.
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