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Comasach no gun chomas

Able or unable

We can also use comasach air to talk about things that we are able to do, with a particular meaning of a person’s own skill.

Tha mi comasach air càr a dhràibheadh.

I can drive a car.

Tha e comasach dhomh càr a dhràibheadh.

I can drive a car (it’s possible for me to drive a car).

Where we can’t do something or don’t have the ability to do something, we can use the negative form of the verb to be: chan eil.

Chan eil mi comasach air càr a dhràibheadh.

I can’t drive a car.

Chan eil e comasach dhomh càr a dhràibheadh.

I can’t drive a car (it isn’t possible for me to drive a car).

We can also use gun chomas (without ability).

Chan eil mi comasach air dràibheadh an-dràsta.

I can’t drive just now.

Chan eil e comasach dhomh dràibheadh an-dràsta.

I can’t drive just now.

Tha mi gun chomas dràibheadh an-dràsta.

I’m unable to/I can’t drive just now. (I am without the ability to drive just now.)

Comasach

When we describe someone as comasach (able, capable), it’s great praise. Comasach takes on a stronger meaning of capability and, in some cases, talent in a person.

‘S e fear comasach a th’ ann.

He’s a (very) capable man.

‘S e tè chomasach a th’ innte.

She’s a (very) capable woman.

‘S e duine comasach a th’ ann.

He’s a talented person.

Tha i comasach, gun teagamh

She’s (very) capable, without a doubt.