How to say “No” in Scottish Gaelic
The most common way to say “no” in Scottish Gaelic. Tap to copy or hear it pronounced.
Chan eil
Frequently asked
How do you say "No" in Scottish Gaelic?
"No" in Scottish Gaelic is "Chan eil". This is the most common everyday rendering; depending on context, formal/informal or dialectal variants may apply.
How is "Chan eil" written in Scottish Gaelic?
"Chan eil" is the standard written form in Scottish Gaelic, rendered left-to-right.
How do you pronounce "Chan eil" in Scottish Gaelic?
Tap the speaker icon on this page to hear "Chan eil" pronounced by a native-style synthetic voice. For practice, repeat the phrase out loud immediately after listening — the rhythm and stress are usually what trips learners up, not the individual sounds.
What does "Chan eil" mean in English?
"Chan eil" is the Scottish Gaelic way of saying "No" in English. It's used in everyday conversation in roughly the same situations as the English original.
Are there formal or informal ways to say "No" in Scottish Gaelic?
Many languages — including Scottish Gaelic — distinguish formal and informal registers, and may also vary by speaker gender, plurality, or regional dialect. "Chan eil" is the most broadly understood form; for register-specific variants, use the full translator above with your exact sentence.
Where is Scottish Gaelic spoken?
Scottish Gaelic is spoken by an estimated 58,000 people worldwide. Use the language page to translate full text and explore where the language is used.
Is there a free Scottish Gaelic dictionary?
Yes — Polytranslator provides a free Scottish Gaelic dictionary with word-by-word translations and example usage. Click the dictionary link on this page to look up individual words from "Chan eil" or any other Scottish Gaelic text.