learn gaelic

Introductions

Formal introduction

Ok, that's great. So, now if someone asks you, Dè an t-ainm a th' oirbh? you will know what they mean and how to answer them.

Dè an t-ainm a th' oirbh?

In Gaelic things tend to be either At or On people. Names fall into the On category, so for Eilidh to respond to, Dè an t-ainm a th' oirbh? she would use:

'S e Eilidh an t-ainm a th' orm It is Helen the name that is on me (literally)

Of course, the literal translation sounds strange but it simply means My name is Helen.

Listen, then repeat the sounds:

OrmOn me
A th' ormThat is on me
'S e Eilidh an t-ainm a th' ormMy name is Helen

Now, repeat with your own name.

Seo

To introduce someone to somebody, Gaelic uses seo meaning this.

'S e seo... means This is... but in conversation, 'S e, or Is e can be left out, and Seo is used on its own.

Seo Calum - This is Calum

SeoThis
Seo MòragThis is Morag
Seo Iain, seo Mòrag ...This is Iain, this is Morag...