Tip of the Week 2

For my tip of the week, I'll pick up on something Frank asked about.
 
Sgrìobh Frang,
* I was looking at my SOL video and I came to the section about * asking
* directions* They were using 'fios' to ask questions about where one
* will find a place or a street. I thought you ought to use 'aithne' in
* this situation.
 
I think you may be confusing two things, Frank, if you don't mind me saying so.
 
You're right in thinking that "fios" should be used for "knowledge/information" about something/somebody, and this includes knowing that something is the case, why something is the case and where where something is.
 
A bheil fhios agad gun do dh' fhalbh e?
Do you know that he left?
 
A bheil fhios agad carson a rinn e sin?
Do you know why he did that?
 
A bheil fhios agad càit an deach e?
Do you know where he went?
 
A bheil fhios agad càit a bheil an Taigh-tasgaidh?
Do you know where the museum is?
 
Remember that "fios" and "fhios" are both used here (with no difference in meaning) in different areas.
 
You cannot use "fios /fhios" for knowing a person /place, but you CAN use "aithne" for knowledge about facts.
 
An aithne dhut ainm an àite seo?
Do you know the name of this place?
 
Ach ciamar a rinn iad sin chan aithne dhomh le cinnt.
But how they did that I don't know for certain.
 
And "aithne" is used for knowing people /places.
 
daoine a b' aithne dhomh 'nam òige
people I knew in my youth.
 
baile beag bòidheach a b' aithne dha
a pretty village that he knew.
 
I hope this is a little clearer.
 
Cailean
Am Marcair Dubh
Is i a' Ghàidhlig Cànain mo Dhùthcha.