We have seen the verb feum (must, need to) many times in the course so far.
Feumaidh mi plana–gnìomha a chur ri chèile
I need to put together an action plan
feumar a leudachadh agus a leasachadh
it needs to be expanded and developed
chan fheumar ach aona neach a lorg
only one person needs to be found
In the phrases above, feumar and chan fheumar are in the guth fulangach (the passive voice).
We could put the verb faod (may, can) in the passive voice as well.
Look at the two verbs in the following tables.
Am feumar?
Must?
Nach fheumar?
Mustn’t?
Feumar
Must
Chan fheumar
Mustn’t
Feumar an leabhar seo a leughadh.
This book must be read.
Chan fheumar an leabhar seo a leughadh.
This book doesn’t need to be read.
Am faodar?
Can?
Nach fhaodar?
Can’t?
Faodar
Can
Chan fhaodar
Can’t
Faodar snàmh an seo.
Swimming is allowed here.
Chan fhaodar snàmh an seo.
Swimming isn’t allowed here.