Little by Little Beag air Bheag

Introduction

Làithean na seachdaine

Days of the week

The names of the days of the week are fascinating. Four of them originate in Latin because of the influence of the early Christian Church; the other three derive from ancient Celtic roots. Each time you use them you are taking a journey through Scottish history. You can hear how to pronounce each day in Gaelic by clicking on the icon. Below each one is some information on its origin.

Didòmhnaich

Sunday

Latin, 'dies Dominica' (day of the Lord).

or

Là na Sàbaid

Sabbath day

Celtic/Latin.

Diluain

Monday

Latin, 'dies lunae' (day of the moon).

Dimàirt

Tuesday

Latin, 'dies Martis' (day of Mars).

Diciadain

Wednesday

Ancient Gaelic, 'day of the first fast'.

Diardaoin

Thursday

Ancient Gaelic, 'day between two fasts'.

Dihaoine

Friday

Ancient Gaelic, 'the fast day'.

Disathairne

Saturday

Origin: Latin, dies Saturni (day of Saturn).

In Units 1 to 3, you were able to choose between identical conversations, using either sibh or thu, the formal and informal for 'you'. This will be the model here too, but the conversations will no longer be identical (as your vocabulary should be continually expanding!), so you should look at both. Remember, however, when it is appropriate to use sibh rather than thu. Come on in and get started!

Days of the week

Làithean na seachdain

Days of the week

First we'll look at a conversation which doesn't involve either sibh or thu. In it you will meet an important word - ann - which means 'in it'.

In Gaelic we say, 'what day is in it?' - 'dè an là a tha ann?' or, in conversation, 'dè an là a th' ann?'

Note also, a special verb, known as the assertive verb, or is. In Units 1 to 3, you might have met it in 'Is mise Calum'. It occurs here in the form is e or ’s e, e.g. ' ’s e Diluain a th' ann' - 'it is Monday'. In its negative form it is chan e. It also appears as a question in an e? and nach e?

Dè an là a th' ann?

What day is it?

Diluain.

Monday.

Nach e Dimàirt a th' ann?

Isn't it Tuesday?

Chan e. 'S e Diluain a th' ann.

No. It's Monday.

'S e Didòmhnaich a bh' ann an-dè.

It was Sunday yesterday.

'S e.

Yes.

An e Dimàirt a bhios ann a-màireach?

Will it be Tuesday tomorrow?

'S e. Tha sin ceart. 'S e Diluain a th' ann an-diugh agus 's e Dimàirt a bhios ann a-màireach.

Yes. That's right. It's Monday today and it'll be Tuesday tomorrow.

Conversations

Conversation 1

Listen as Malcolm has a neighbourly chat with Katie. Their conversation covers the points explained above but look out for some new words to add to your vocabulary too!

Conversation 2

In this example Catherine and James are discussing what they will do at the weekend. Listen out for the Gaelic for some common hobbies.

If you would like to learn some useful conversation to use around the house, take a look at Unit 5 Dùin an Doras!

Mar sin leibh!

Goodbye!

Conversation 1

Listen to the conversation:

Malcolm:

Madainn mhath a Cheitidh. 'S e là math a th' ann.

Good morning, Katie. It's a nice day.

Katie:

'S e, a Chaluim. Là brèagha.

Yes, Malcolm. A beautiful day.

Malcolm:

Dè an là a th' ann a-rithist?

What day is it again?

Katie:

Diardaoin. 'S e Diardaoin a th' ann.

Thursday. It's Thursday.

Malcolm:

O, 's e. Diardaoin. Bidh làraidh an sgudail a' tighinn an-diugh.

Oh, yes. Thursday. The bin lorry will be coming today.

Katie:

Cha bhi. 'S e Dihaoine là an sgudail.

No. Friday is bin day.

Malcolm:

Bidh an làraidh a' tighinn a-màireach, ma-thà.

The lorry will be coming tomorrow, then.

Katie:

Tha mi an dòchas gum bi. Tha am bion làn.

I hope so. The bin is full.

Malcolm:

Dè tha sibh a' dèanamh an-diugh?

What are you doing today?

Katie:

Chan eil mòran. Dè tha sibh fhèin a' dèanamh an-diugh?

Not much. What are you doing today?

(lit. What are you yourself doing today?)

Malcolm:

Tha mi a' leughadh leabhar. 'S e leabhar math a th' ann.

I am reading a book. It is a good book.

Katie:

An robh sibh aig an taigh an-dè?

Were you at home yesterday?

(lit. Were you at the house yesterday?)

Malcolm:

Cha robh. Bha mi ag obair an-dè.

No. I was working yesterday.

Katie:

Agus a-màireach? Am bi sibh ag obair a-màireach?

And tomorrow? Will you be working tomorrow?

Malcolm:

Bithidh. Bidh mi trang a-màireach. Ach cha bhi Disathairne.

Yes. I will be busy tomorrow. But I won't be on Saturday.

Katie:

Dè bhios sibh a' dèanamh Disathairne?

What will you be doing on Saturday?

Malcolm:

Bidh mi a' cluich ball-coise.

I'll be playing football.

Conversation 2

Listen to the conversation:

James:

'S e là math a th' ann, a Chatrìona.

It's a nice day, Catherine.

Catherine:

'S e, gu dearbh. Agus 's e Disathairne a th' ann!

It sure is. And it's Saturday!

James:

Dè bhios tu a' dèanamh an-diugh, ma-thà?

What will you be doing today, then?

Catherine:

Cha bhi mòran. Bidh mi a' cèilidh air caraidean, 's dòcha.

Not much. I will visit friends, perhaps.

James:

Agus am bi thu anns an eaglais a-màireach?

And will you be in church tomorrow?

Catherine:

Bithidh. Dè bhios tu fhèin a' dèanamh?

Yes. What will you be doing?

James:

Bidh mise anns an eaglais cuideachd.

I'll be in church too.

Catherine:

Agus an-diugh? Dè bhios tu a' dèanamh an-diugh?

And today? What will you be doing today?

James:

Bidh mi a' snàmh. Bidh mi a' snàmh a h-uile Disathairne.

I'll be swimming. I go swimming every Saturday.

Catherine:

Anns an abhainn?

In the river?

James:

Ist! Tha e fuar anns an abhainn.

Be quiet! It's cold in the river.

Catherine:

Càit' am bi thu a' snàmh ma-thà?

Where will you swim then?

James:

Anns an amar-snàmh, aig an ionad-spòrs.

In the swimming pool, at the sports centre.

Catherine:

O, uill, tha mi an dòchas gum bi e math.

Oh, well, I hope it'll be good.

James:

Tapadh leat.

Thanks.