Learn the Lingo

Irish Language Phrases

Visting Galway from overseas? Why not learn a few words of Irish before you arrive.

Hello Dia duit (literal translation: God to you) Dee ya  gw-itch
Reply Dia is Muire duit (literal translation: God & Mary to you) Dee ya iss mw-irra gwitch
Welcome to Galway Fáilte go Gaillimh Fall cha go Galiv
How are you? Cén chaoi 'bhfuil tú? Kayn kwh-ee a  will two?
I'm doing well Tá mé go maith Thaw may guh mah
Ok Ceart go leor Keyart go lower
Alright Go measartha Guh mass ar ha
What is your name? Cad is ainm duit? Cod  iss anim ditch?
My name is Áine Áine is ainm dom Áine iss anam dum
Where are you from? Cé as duit? Kay oss ditch?
I’m from Galway city Is as Cathair na Gaillimhe mé Iss oss kaher na Galiva may
Nice to meet you Deas casadh  leat Dee - ass kassa lath
Take it easy! Tóg go bog é! Toe –ig guh bug ay!
Would you like ..? Ar mhaith leat..? Er Wah lath.. ?
I would like.. Ba mhaith liom Ba wa lum
The day is beautiful Tá an lá go hálainn Thaw on law gu hawl-in
The day is cold Tá an lá fuar Thaw on law foo-er
It is raining Tá sé ag cur Thaw shay egg kur
Take Care Tabhair aire Tour arra
I’ll see you Feicfidh mé tú Feck ee may two
Thank you Go raibh maith agat Guh rev moh a gut
You are welcome Tá fáilte romhat Thaw fall cha roa-th
Please Más é do thoil é (literal translation: if it is your will) Moss a duh hull a
Excuse me Gabh mo leithscéal Gow muh lee –Shcale
Bye for now Slán go fóill Slawn  guh foal
Enjoy your meal Bain taitneamh as do bhéile Ban ta-nav ass duh vale – la
Cheers! Sláinte! Slawn cha!
Good night Oíche mhaith Ee- ha wha
Good Luck Go n-éirí leat Guh nigh ree lath
Well done Maith thú Moh   who

 

 

 

The phrases above have been provided courtesy of Gaillimh le Gaeilge. Gaillimh le Gaeilge was established in 1987 with the aim of promoting the Irish language in the Galway area. If you would like more information, please contact Gearóidín at 091 568876 or email gearoidin@gleg.ie.