Leibh/leat

[figheadair]

So, being a beginner Gaelic speaker, I've run into this Leibh/leat thing quite a few times. An example would be the phrase goodbye. Apparently it can be said 'Mar sin leibh' or 'Mar sin leat'. So what's the difference between leibh and leat? As a French speaker I assume it's kind of like the difference between 'Bon' (good) and 'bien' (well). Any thoughts?

Compare with the use if vous and tu in French and there you have a good guide to the use.

The one that confuses most learners is polite use of sibh. Compared with English, where we have all become much more familiar, the use is somewhat archaic. I still use sibh with those I meet for the first time (but not with children) and with those whose position I wish to recognise. With individual family, children, friends and good acquaintances I use tu.

[CamelCody]

Awesome, comparing it with vous/tu in French makes it really clear. Thanks everybody