Visiting the Outer Hebrides is an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a warm, welcoming community. But did you know that Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is still widely spoken here? While everyone also speaks English, learning a few Gaelic phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.

Here are some popular Gaelic phrases that will come in handy during your visit!

Basic Greetings

A friendly greeting goes a long way, and in Gaelic, there are different ways to say hello depending on the time of day.

• Hello – Halò! (ha-LOH)
• Good morning – Madainn mhath! (MAH-tin vah)
• Good afternoon / Good evening – Feasgar math! (FES-kar mah)
• Good night – Oidhche mhath! (OY-kuh vah)

If someone greets you first, you can simply reply with the same phrase.

Polite Expressions

• Thank you – Tapadh leat! (TA-pa le-at) [informal]
• Thank you very much – Tapadh leibh! (TA-pa leev) [formal or plural]
• Please – Mas e do thoil e (Masheh do hol eh)
• Excuse me / Sorry – Gabh mo leisgeul! (Gav mo LESH-gul)

Useful Everyday Phrases

Want to start a conversation or ask for help? Here are some handy phrases.

• How are you? – Ciamar a tha thu? (KYAH-mar a ha oo?)
• I’m well, thanks! – Tha mi gu math, tapadh leat! (Ha mee goo mah, ta-pa le-at)
• What is your name? – Dè an t-ainm a th’ ort? (Jay an TAHN-im a horst?)
• My name is… – ’S e … an t-ainm a th’ orm. (Shay … an TAHN-im a horum)
• Where is…? – Càite bheil…? (KAH-cheh vail…?)

Phrases for the Pub or Café

Sampling local food and drink? These phrases might be useful!

• A cup of tea, thank you. – Cupa tì, tapadh leat. (Coo-pa tee, TA-pa le-at)
• A coffee, thank you. – Cofaidh, tapadh leat. (KOH-fee, TA-pa le-at)
• A whisky, please. – uisge-beatha, tapadh leat. (ooshk-uh beh-huh, TA-pa le-at)
• Cheers! – Slàinte! (SLAAN-chuh)

Place Names

Learning some Gaelic place names will help you navigate your way round the islands!

• Lewis – Leòdhas (LEOH-as)
• Great Bernera – Beàrnaraigh Mòr (BYAHR-nah-ray MOHR)
• Scalpay – Sgalpaigh (SKAHL-pi)
• Harris – Na Hearadh (Na HER-rah)
• Berneray – Beàrnaraigh (BYAHR-nah-ray)
• North Uist – Uibhist a Tuath (OOH-ishd uh TOO-ah)
• Grimsay – Griomasaigh (GREE-muh-say)
• Benbecula – Beinn nam Faoghla (BAYN nam FOH-luh)
• South Uist – Uibhist a Deas (OOH-ishd uh JESS)
• Eriskay – Èirisgeigh (EH-rish-kay)
• Barra – Barraigh (BAH-rai)
• Vatersay – Bhatarsaigh (VAT-ar-say)

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Outdoor Adventures & Directions

With so much stunning scenery to explore, asking for directions:

• Where is the beach? – Càite bheil an tràigh? (KAH-cheh vail an TRAH-ee?)
• Which way to the ferry? – Dè an dòigh air an aiseag? (Jay an doh air an ASH-ek?)
• I need help! – Tha feum agam air cuideachadh! (Ha feum ah-gum air koo-JOCH-uch)

Final Tip: Give Gaelic a Go!

Even if you only manage a simple tapadh leat or slàinte, locals will appreciate your effort. Gaelic is an important part of Hebridean culture, and using a few phrases is a wonderful way connect with the community.

So, why not try out a few of these phrases on your next visit to the Outer Hebrides? You might even get a Gaelic reply!