Irish Phrases
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September 2009
PHRASE: Ni neart go cur le cheile.
PRONOUNCED: nee hyart guh curr leh kay-lah
MEANING: there is no strength without unity
PHRASE: Nil aon tintean mar do thintean fein.
PRONOUNCED: neel ain tintin marr duh hin-tin fane
MEANING: there is no hearth like your own hearth
PHRASE: Is folamh fuar e teach gan bean.
PRONOUNCED: iss full-ivv foor a cock gon ban
(a as in a,b,c)
MEANING: it is a cold house without a woman
August 2009
PHRASE: Ni lia duine na tuairim
PRONOUNCED: nee lee-ah dinnah nah toor-im
MEANING: Everyone has their own opinion
PHRASE: Ni lia tir na nos
PRONOUNCED: nee lee-ah tear no-iss
MEANING: every country has it's own customs
PHRASE: Is leir don saol e an firinne
PRONOUNCED: iss lair dun sail a on firr-inyeh
(a as in a,b,c)
MEANING: everybody knows the truth
July 2009
PHRASE: Thar gach ni eile
PRONOUNCED: har gock knee ellya
MEANING: Above all else
PHRASE: Ni mor a admhail
PRONOUNCED: knee moor ah advile
MEANING: it must be admitted
PHRASE: Ar an iomlán
PRONOUNCED: air on umlawn
MEANING: on the whole
June 2009
PHRASE: Maire/Seosaimh bhocht
PRONOUNCED: moir-eh/show-suff buckt?
MEANING: Poor Maire/Mary/Joseph
PHRASE: Ta si/se ag caoineadh
PRONOUNCED: taw shee/shay egg cween-idd
MEANING: She/he is crying
PHRASE: Thit si/se ar an urlar
PRONOUNCED: hit shee/shay air onn urr-lore
MEANING: She/he fell on the floor
May 2009
PHRASE: Cad is ainm duit?
PRONOUNCED: coad iss annim dwit
MEANING: What is your name?
PHRASE: An bhfuil tu damhsa liom?
PRONOUNCED: On will two dowsa lum
MEANING: Would you like to dance with me?
PHRASE: Iocfaidh mise don gach rud!
PRONOUNCED: uck-igg misha dun gock rud
MEANING: I will pay for everything!
April 2009
PHRASE: An bhfuil pian ort?
PRONOUNCED: On will peen urt
MEANING: Are you in any pain?
PHRASE: Gheobhaidh me an bhanaltra duit
PRONOUNCED: yo-igg may on bonn-altra dwit
MEANING: I will get the nurse for you
PHRASE: Beidh an dochtuir anseo gan mhoill.
PRONOUNCED: beg on docktoor onshuh gon vwill
MEANING: The doctor will be here soon
February 2009
PHRASE: Thalla a chluiche le do deideagan
PRONOUNCED: hallah ah clih-heh leh duh daid-aginn
MEANING: Go play with your toys
PHRASE: Dé tha thu ah deanamh?
PRONOUNCED: day taw two ah dyane-iff
MEANING: What are you making/doing ?
PHRASE: Ta me a dheanamh dealbh
PRONOUNCED: Taw may ah yea/niff dyalb
MEANING: I am making a picture
January 2009
PHRASE: Cad ba mhaith leat?
PRONOUNCED: cod buh woh latt?
MEANING: What would you like?
PHRASE: Ar mhaith leat caife, tea, bainne?
PRONOUNCED: air wott lat caffey, tay, bonn-yah
MEANING: Would you like coffee, tea, milk?
PHRASE: B'fhearr liom liomanaid, beoir, uisce beatha
PRONOUNCED: byarr lum lee-mun-oid, byorr, isk-ihh bah-ha
MEANING: I would prefer lemonade, beer, whiskey
November 2008
PHRASE: An mor ata air?
PRONOUNCED: on moor ah-taw err
MEANING: What price is this?
PHRASE: Ceannoid me e
PRONOUNCED: kyann-owid may a
('a' as in USA)
MEANING: I will buy it
PHRASE: An dtogann tu cartai credit?
PRONOUNCED: on dowg-inn two kartee kredit
MEANING: Do you accept credit cards?
August 2008
PHRASE: Bi ciuin! Ta tinneas cinn orm.
PRONOUNCED: bee quewn! Taw tinniss kinn urm
MEANING: Be quiet! I have a headache.
PHRASE: Is cuma liom!
PRONOUNCED: is cumma lum
MEANING: I dont care!
PHRASE: Go hifreann leat!
PRONOUNCED: Guh hee-fran lath
MEANING: To hell with you!
July 2008
PHRASE: Ta me/tu go hiontach
PRONOUNCED: taw may/two guh hun-tock
MEANING: I/you am wonderful
PHRASE: Ta se/si are buille
PRONOUNCED: taw shay/shee air bool-yeh
MEANING: He/she is angry
PHRASE: Ta sinn/sibh/siad tuirseach
PRONOUNCED: taw shin/shiv/sheed tear-shock
MEANING: We/us/they are tired
June 2008
PHRASE: Ni ceart go cur le cheile
PRONOUNCED: knee keart guh kurr leh kail-eh
MEANING: There is no strength without unity
PHRASE: Is maith an scathan suil charad
PRONOUNCED: iss mot on scah-hawn sewell karr-add
MEANING: A friends eye is a good mirror
PHRASE: Ni hespa go dith carad
PRONOUNCED: knee hes-pah guf dee karr-add
MEANING: There is no need like the lack of a friend
May 2008
PHRASE: Ta athas/bron/fearg/ocras/tart orm
PRONOUNCED: taw aw-iss/broin/farg/ock-ros/tart urr-im
MEANING: I am happy/sorry/angry/hungry/thirsty
PHRASE: Ta tu mall/go luath/go halainn/ard/go tapaidh
PRONOUNCED: taw two moll/guh loo-ah/guh hall-inn/ard/guh top-igg
MEANING: You are late/early/beautful/tall/fast
PHRASE: Ta se te/fuar/fliuch/tirim amach
PRONOUNCED: taw shay teh/fuirr/fluch/tirrim amock
MEANING: It is hot/cold/wet/dry outside
April 2008:
PHRASE: Nil aon leigheas ar an ngra ach posadh
PRONOUNCED: neel ain laygus air on grah ock pus-idd
MEANING: The only cure for love is marriage
PHRASE: An rud a lionas an tsuil lionann se an croi
PRONOUNCED: on rud ah lean-uss on sewell lean-onn shay on kree
MEANING: What fills the eye fills the heart
PHRASE: Giorraionn beirt bothar
PRONOUNCED: gurr-on bert boh-hurr
MEANING: Two shorten the road
March 2008:
PHRASE: Ni ceart go cur le cheile
PRONOUNCED: knee keart guh kurr leh kay-leh
MEANING: There is no strength without unity
PHRASE: Ni heolas go haontios!
PRONOUNCED: knee hyeo-luss guh hain-chiss
MEANING: You cant know me without living with me!
PHRASE: Olann an cat cluin bainne leis!
PRONOUNCED: ull-onn on kot clew-in bonn-yeh lesh
MEANING: The quiet cat also drinks milk!
February 2008:
PHRASE: Conas ata tu?
PRONOUNCED: cunn-us ah-taw two
MEANING: How are you?
PHRASE: Glacfaidh me do theocht/chuisle
PRONOUNCED: glock-igg may duh teowked/cush-leh
MEANING: I will take your temperature/pulse
PHRASE: Gheobhaidh me an bhanaltra/dochtuir duit.
PRONOUNCED: geow-igg may on bawn-all-tra/dock-tour dwit
MEANING: I will get the nurse/doctor for you
January 2008
PHRASE: Mo seanathair agus seanmathair
PRONOUNCED: muh sean-ah-hirr ogg-us shan-wah-hirr
MEANING: My Grandfather and Grandmother
PHRASE: Dearthair, deirfiur, aintín, uncail
PRONOUNCED: dre-harr, dre-furrh, on-teen, un-kol
MEANING: Brother, sister, auntie, uncle
PHRASE: Mathair, athair, mac, inin
PRONOUNCED: wah-hirr, ah-hirr, mack, ineen
MEANING: Mother, father, son, daughter
November 2007
PHRASE: An toigh leat te/cofaidh/bainne ?
PRONOUNCED: on tow-ig lat tay/cof-aid/bon-yeh
MEANING: Would you like tea/coffe/milk ?
PHRASE: An gabh thu tuilleadh?
PRONOUNCED: on govh two tyew-lid
MEANING: Will you have some more?
PHRASE: Tapadh leat
PRONOUNCED: tapah lat
MEANING: Thank you
September 2007
PHRASE: Gardai! Ta se prainneach.
PRONOUNCED: gard-ee! Taw shay pronn-ack
MEANING: Police! It's an emergency.
PHRASE: Taim i gcruachais anois
PRONOUNCED: tah-imm ih grew-cuss ah-nish
MEANING: I need your help now
PHRASE: Chaill me mo mhala.
PRONOUNCED: kyle may muh wall-ah/spar-awn/tick-aid
MEANING: I lost my bag/wallet/ticket
August 2007
PHRASE: Gabh mo leithscaal
PRONOUNCED: govh muh leh-skayle
MEANING: Excuse me
PHRASE: Nil Gaeilge maith agam
PRONOUNCED: kneel gale-geh mot ah-gum
MEANING: I cannot speak Irish very well
PHRASE: An Bhfuil Bearla/Gaeilge agat
PRONOUNCED: on will bear-lah/gale-geh ah-gut
MEANING: Do you speak English/Irish
July 2007
PHRASE: Ta me i gcruachais.
PRONOUNCED: tah may ih grew-kuss
MEANING: I need your help
PHRASE: Ta me ar strae/gortaithe/tinneas
PRONOUNCED: tah may air stray / gore-teh-hah / tinn-iss
MEANING: I am lost/injured/sick
PHRASE: Ba mhaith liom an dochtuir
PRONOUNCED: buh wot lum on dock-thure
MEANING: I need a doctor
June 2007
PHRASE: Ticead amhain go dti an Gaillaimh, le do thoil
PRONOUNCED: tick-aid ah-wann guh dee on gall-yibh leh duh hull
MEANING: One ticket to Galway please
PHRASE: Baile Atha Cliath/an Corcaigh/an Port Lairge/Ciarrai
PRONOUNCED: ball-yeh aq-hah klee-ah/on core-kig/on port lor-ih-geh/keer-ee
MEANING: Dublin/Cork/Galway/Kerry
PHRASE: Cathain a bhainfidh an traenach/bus amach i Cill Airne
PRONOUNCED: kohh-inn a bwin-igg on tray-nock/bus ah-mock i kil arney
MEANING: When does this train/bus arrive in Killarney?
May 2007
PHRASE: Ta an aimsir go halainn inniu
PRONOUNCED: taw an eyeim-shur guh haul-inn inn-you
MEANING: The weather is beautiful today
PHRASE: Bhi an aimsir fliuch agus gaofar ar maidin
PRONOUNCED: vee onn eyeim-shur fluck ogg-uss gwefarr air mod-djin
MEANING: The weather was wet and windy this morning
PHRASE: Ta se rothe i rith an lae
PRONOUNCED: Thaw shay ro-cheh ih rih on lay/eehah
MEANING: It is too hot during the day/night
January 2007
PHRASE: Eist moran agus can beagan!
PRONOUNCED: aisht more-on og-us con byug-on
MEANING: Hear much and say little!
PHRASE: De reir a cheile a thogtar na caisleain!
PRONOUNCED: deh rare ah kay-lee a hug-tar nah cosh-lawn
MEANING: It takes time to build castles!
PHRASE: Is minic a gheibhean beal oscailt diog dunta!
PRONOUNCED: iss minick ah gav-awnn bail os-kuly dee-ug doon-ta
MEANING: An open mouth often catches a closed fist!
November 2006
PHRASE: Ta agam le rudai a cheannach
PRONOUNCED: taw ah-gum leh rudd-ee ah kee-ann-ock
MEANING: I have to do some shopping
PHRASE: Ba maith liom an cota deas/geansai deas
PRONOUNCED: buh wott lum on kota djas/gan-see djas
MEANING: I would like a nice coat/nice sweater
PHRASE: Ba maith liom seo a chur ar agaidh ag mo teach
PRONOUNCED: buh wott lum shuh ah kurr air eye-gh egg muh chock
MEANING: I want this sent to my house
October 2006
PHRASE: Ca bhfuil mo sheomra leapa?
PRONOUNCED: caw will muh showm-rah lappah
MEANING: Where is my bedroom?
PHRASE: Ta sa thuas an staighre.
PRONOUNCED: taw shay who-iss on sty-reh
MEANING: It is upstairs
PHRASE: Ta an leaba fuar, bhog, garbh, salach, briste
PRONOUNCED: taw on lab-ah foor, bog, garv, sol-ock, brish-teh
MEANING: The bed is cold, soft, rough, dirty, broken
September 2006
PHRASE: Ta suil agam go bhfuil tu i mbarr na slainte
PRONOUNCED: taw su-ill ah-gum guh will tu ih marr nah slawn-che
MEANING: I hope you are in the best of health
PHRASE: Ni raibh am agam scriobh go dti seo
PRONOUNCED: knee rouh omm ah-gum skreevh guh dee shuh
MEANING: I hadn't time to write until now
PHRASE: Scriobh chugam go luath
PRONOUNCED: skreevh coo-gum guh lu-ah
MEANING: write to me soon
August 2006
PHRASE: An bhfuil dearthaireacha agus deirfiuracha agat
PRONOUNCED: on wil dreh-harr-ock-ah ogus dreh-furr-ock-ah ah-gut
MEANING: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
PHRASE: An bhfuil clann agat
PRONOUNCED: on wil clon ah-gut
MEANING: Do you have a family?
PHRASE: An bhfuil tu posta ?
PRONOUNCED: on wil two poe-sta
MEANING: Are you married?
July 2006
The following Gaelic phrases are engraved on our
new Irish rings - see
here.
PHRASE: Mo anam cara
PRONOUNCED: muh ann-imm karrah
MEANING: My soulmate
PHRASE: Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas
PRONOUNCED: graw, deel-shockt, korr-djass
MEANING: Love, Loyalty, Friendship
PHRASE: Gra Go Deo
PRONOUNCED: graw guh djoe
MEANING: Love forever
June 2006
PHRASE: Is e do bhaile do chaislean
PRONOUNCED: iss a duh boll-yah duh kosh-lonn
MEANING: Your house is your castle
PHRASE: Coimhead fearg fhear na foighde
PRONOUNCED: koe-vade varrig farr nah foe-ih-geh
MEANING: Beware the anger of a patient man
PHRASE: Maireann croi eadrom i bhfad
PRONOUNCED: marr-inn kree aid-drum ih bodd
MEANING: A light heart lives longest
May 2006
PHRASE: An toigh leat tae/bainne/cofaidh/siucra?
PRONOUNCED: on toig lat tay/bonn-yah/coff-aid/shu-krah
MEANING: Do you like tea/milk/coffee/sugar?
PHRASE: An gabh tu pios caca?
PRONOUNCED: on govh two pee-sah caw-kah
MEANING: Will you have a piece of cake?
PHRASE: An gabh tu tuilleadh?
PRONOUNCED: on govh two twul-lid
MEANING: Will you have some more?
April 2006
PHRASE: Na dean sin!
PRONOUNCED: naw dane shin
MEANING: Don't do that!
PHRASE: Gle mhaith!
PRONOUNCED: glay moth
MEANING: Very good!
PHRASE: Rinn tu e!
PRONOUNCED: rinn two a (as in the letter a)
MEANING: You did it!
February 2006
PHRASE: Ba mhaith liom cupan tae
PRONOUNCED: Buh wah lum cup-onn tay
MEANING: I would like a cup of tea?
PHRASE: Le bainne? Le siucra?
PRONOUNCED: Leh bonn-yeh? Leh shu-kreh
MEANING: With milk? With sugar?
PHRASE: Ta se ro-laidir/ro-lag/an dheas
PRONOUNCED: Taw shay ro-law-dirr/ro-logg/on djas
MEANING: It is too strong/too weak/just nice
January 2006
PHRASE: Slainte agus tainte!
PRONOUNCED: slawn-che oggus tinn-che
MEANING: Health and Wealth!
PHRASE: Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo aris!
PRONOUNCED: guh mware-eh mwid beow air on omm shuh ah-rish
MEANING: May we be alive this time next year!
PHRASE: Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhuit!
PRONOUNCED: ought-bleen fwee may-sheh dwit
MEANING: A prosperous new year to you!
November 2005
PHRASE: Fainne oir ort!
PRONOUNCED: fawn-yeh ore urt
MEANING: A gold ring on you
(Bravo! or Well Done!)
PHRASE: Go dte tu an cead
PRONOUNCED: guh day two on kade
MEANING: May you live to be 100
PHRASE: Go maire tu!
PRONOUNCED: guh mire-ehh two
MEANING: May you live
(Congratulations! or Live long!)
October 2005
PHRASE: Oiche Shamhna
PRONOUNCED: ee-ha how-nah
MEANING: Halloween (the night before Samhain)
PHRASE: Tabhair feirin dom no buailfidh me bob ort!
PRONOUNCED: tour ferr-een dum no booligg may bob urt
MEANING: Trick or Treat
(give me a treat or I will play a trick on you!)
PHRASE: Tine cramha/Cailleach/Taibhse
PRONOUNCED: tinneh cravh-sheh/coll-yuk/tavh-sheh
MEANING: Bonfire/Witch/Ghost
September 2005
PHRASE: Fomhair/Geimhreadh/Earrach/Samhradh
PRONOUNCED: foe-irr/gev-reh/arr-ock/souwh-rah
MEANING: Autumn/Winter/Spring/Winter
PHRASE: Ta se ag cur baisti
PRONOUNCED: taw shay egg curr bosh-tee
MEANING: It is raining
PHRASE: Ta mo eadie fliuch
PRONOUNCED: taw muh ea-dee flee-uck
MEANING: My clothes are wet
August 2005
PHRASE: An mor ata air?
PRONOUNCED: on moor ah-taw err
MEANING: Ho much does this cost?
PHRASE: An dtogann tu caratai credit?
PRONOUNCED: on duggan two car-tee credit
MEANING: Do you take credit cards?
PHRASE: Ceannoid me e
PRONOUNCED: kyan-oh-idd may a
(a as the letter A)
MEANING: I'll buy it!
July 2005
PHRASE: Ta me go hiontach
PRONOUNCED: taw may guh hyun-tock
MEANING: I am wonderful!
PHRASE: Ta me tinn
PRONOUNCED: taw may tin
MEANING: I am unwell (sick)
PHRASE: Ta tuirse orm
PRONOUNCED: taw tier-sheh urm
MEANING: I am tired
June 2005
PHRASE: Sean is ainm dom
PRONOUNCED: Sean is ann-imm dum
MEANING: Sean is my name!
PHRASE: Ca bhfuil Maire/Sean?
PRONOUNCED: caw will Maire/Sean
MEANING: Where is Maire/Sean!
PHRASE: Ta se/si sa teach/ostan
PRONOUNCED: taw shay/shee sah chock/us-tawn
MEANING: He/She is in the house/hotel
May 2005
PHRASE: Ta se go brea
PRONOUNCED: taw shay goh braw
MEANING: It is sunny!
PHRASE: Ta se scamaillach
PRONOUNCED: taw shay scomm-ill-ock
MEANING: it is cloudy
PHRASE: Ta se ag cuir baisteach
PRONOUNCED: taw shay egg curr bawsh-stuck
MEANING: It is raining!
April 2005
PHRASE: Na dean sin!
PRONOUNCED: nah dane shin
MEANING: Dont do that!
PHRASE: Cuir sin sios
PRONOUNCED: cwirr shin shees
MEANING: Put that down!
PHRASE: Fuirich air falbh on teine
PRONOUNCED: fwirr-ick err voliv on dyan-yeh
MEANING: Stay away from the fire!
February 2005
PHRASE: Eireann go Brach !
PRONOUNCED: air-inn go braw
MEANING: Ireland forever!
PHRASE: Cead mile failte romhat!
PRONOUNCED: kade meela fall-cheh row-itt
MEANING: A hundred thousand welcomes!
PHRASE: Slainte
PRONOUNCED: slawn-che
MEANING: Good Health!
January 2005
PHRASE: Buchaill/cailin maith!
PRONOUNCED: boo-kill/coll-een mott
MEANING: Good boy/girl!
PHRASE: Stad!
PRONOUNCED: stadd
MEANING: Stop!
PHRASE: Na dean sin!
PRONOUNCED: nah dane shin
MEANING: Don't do that!
December 2004
PHRASE: Deireadh Fomhair/Samhain/Nollaig
PRONOUNCED: derr-ihh foe-irr/zoew-inn/null-igg
MEANING: October/November/December
PHRASE: Nollaig faoi shean is faoi mhaise duit!
PRONOUNCED: Nullig fwee yan iss fwee mway/shih dwit
MEANING: A prosperous and enjoyable Christmas!
PHRASE: Nollaig Shona duit
PRONOUNCED: nullig hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy Christmas to you
PHRASE: Athblian shona duit
PRONOUNCED: ought/bleen hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy new year to you
November 2004
PHRASE: Iuil/Lunasa/Mean Fomhair
PRONOUNCED: ooh-ill/loon-asa/man-foe-irr
MEANING: July/August/September
PHRASE: White/Green/Black/Blue/Brown/Red/Yellow
PRONOUNCED: ban/glass/dubh/gorm/donn/dearg/bui
MEANING: bawn/gloss/duve/gurim/don/djarigg/bwee
PHRASE: Ta se a seacht/ocht/naoi a chlog
PRONOUNCED: taw shay shocked/ucked/knee a clug
MEANING: It is seven/eight/nine o'clock
October 2004
PHRASE: Aibrean/Bealtaine/Meitheamh
PRONOUNCED: obb-rinn/beowl-tinn-eh/meh-ivh
MEANING: April/May/June
PHRASE: Deardaoin/De hAoine/De Satharn/ De Domhnach
PRONOUNCED: dare-deen/day heena/day satt-urn/day dow-nock
MEANING: Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday
PHRASE: Ta se a ceithir/cuig/se a chlog
PRONOUNCED: taw shay a kerr-ihh/koo-igg/shay a clug
MEANING: It is four/five/six o'clock
September 2004
PHRASE: Eanair/Feabhra/Marta
PRONOUNCED: onn-irr/feow-rih/marr-tah
MEANING: January/February/March
PHRASE: De Luain/De Mairt/De Cheadaoin
PRONOUNCED: day-loon/day mart/day k-deen
MEANING: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
PHRASE: Ta se a haon/do/tri a chlog
PRONOUNCED: taw shay a hane/doh/tree ah clug
MEANING: It is one/two/three o'clock
August 2004
PHRASE: Beagan agus a ra go maith
PRONOUNCED: byug/onn ogg/iss a raw guh mot
MEANING: Say little but say it well
PHRASE: Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh siad
PRONOUNCED: moll on ogue/ihh og/iss chuck/igg sheed
MEANING: Praise the young and they will flourish
PHRASE: Ceoil agus Craic
PRONOUNCED: ceo/ill ogg/iss crack
MEANING: Singing and fun
July 2004
PHRASE: bean mo chroi
PRONOUNCED: bann muh kree
MEANING: Woman of my heart
PHRASE: Ta tu go halainn
PRONOUNCED: taw two guh haul-inn
MEANING: You are beautiful
PHRASE: An bposfaidh tu me?
PRONOUNCED: on boes-igg two may
MEANING: Will you marry me?
June 2004
PHRASE: Ta se dearg, gorm, dubh, ban,
oraiste, donn, bui, glas
PRONOUNCED: taw shay dar-igg, gurrum, duve, bawn,
orr-awsh-che, don, bwee, gloss
MEANING: It is red, blue, black, white,
orange, brown, yellow, green
PHRASE: Ta se a haon a clog, a do a clog, tri,
ceathair, cuig, se, seacht, hocht, naoi, deich
PRONOUNCED: taw shay a hane a clug, a dough a clug, tree,
kah-irr, coo-igg, shockt, huckt, knee, deh
MEANING: It is one o'clock, two o'clock, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
PHRASE: Uladh, Mumhan, Laighean, Connacht
PRONOUNCED: ooh-lad, muv-onn, lion, con-ocked
MEANING: Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connaught
May 2004
PHRASE: An féidir liom cabhru leat?
PRONOUNCED: on fay-durr lum cow-roo lat?
MEANING: May I help you?
PHRASE: An bhfuil tu ag lorg duine eigin?
PRONOUNCED: on will two egg lurg dinn-eh aig-ginn
MEANING: Are you looking for someone?
PHRASE: An gno pearsanta no oifigiuil e?
PRONOUNCED: on gih-no parr-sann-tah no iff-igg-ool ae
MEANING: Is it personal or official?
April 2004
PHRASE: Ta me are meisce
PRONOUNCED: taw/may/air/mesh-keh
MEANING: I am very drunk
PHRASE: Ta me ar buille
PRONOUNCED: taw/may/air/bool-yeh
MEANING: I am very angry
PHRASE: Ta me tuirseach
PRONOUNCED: taw/may/tier-shock
MEANING: I am tired
March 2004
PHRASE: Iuil/Lunasa/Mean Fomhair
PRONOUNCED: yewell/loon-asa/man-foe-hur
MEANING: July/August/September
PHRASE: Deireadh Fomhair/Samhain/Nollaig
PRONOUNCED: derrah-foe-hur/sow-inn/null-igg
MEANING: October/November/December
PHRASE: Seacht, Ocht, Naoi Deich
PRONOUNCED: shocked, ucked, knee, deh
MEANING: Seven/Eight/Nine/Ten
February 2004
PHRASE: Aibrean/Bealtaine/Meitheamh
PRONOUNCED: ibb-ronn/be-owll-tinnih/meh-ivh
MEANING: April/May/June
PHRASE: Deardaoin/De haoine/Sathairn/De Domhnaigh
PRONOUNCED: dare-deen/day-heena/day-dow-nig
MEANING: Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday
PHRASE: Ceathair/Cuig/Se
PRONOUNCED: cah-irr/coo-igg/shay
MEANING: Four/Five/Six
January 2004
PHRASE: Eanair/Feabhra/Marta
PRONOUNCED: ain-irr/feow-rahh/marr-tah
MEANING: January/February/March
PHRASE: De Luain/De mairt/De Cheadaoin
PRONOUNCED: day-loon/day-mart/day kade-djeen
MEANING: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
PHRASE: Aon/Do/Tri
PRONOUNCED: ah-inn/doh/tree
MEANING: One/Two/Three
December 2003
PHRASE: Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise duit!
PRONOUNCED: Nullig fwee yan iss fwee mway/shih dwit
MEANING: A prosperous and enjoyable Christmas!
PHRASE: Nollaig Shona duit
PRONOUNCED: nullig hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy Christmas to you
PHRASE: Athblian shona duit
PRONOUNCED: ought/bleen hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy new year to you
November 2003
PHRASE: Imeacht gan teacht ort
PRONOUNCED: imm/ocked gone chockt urt
MEANING: May you leave withour returning
PHRASE: Titim gan eiri ort
PRONOUNCED: titt/imm gone eye/ree urt
MEANING: May you fall without risinge
PHRASE: Gurab amhlaidh duit
PRONOUNCED: gur/ibb owl/adh dwit
MEANING: The same to you
October 2003
PHRASE: Is maith an scathan suil charad
PRONOUNCED: iss mott on scot/onn suill karrad
MEANING: A friend's eye is a good mirror
PHRASE: Ni dhiolann dearmad fiacha.
PRONOUNCED: knee djull/onn djar/madd fee/ack/ha
MEANING: A debt is still unpaid, even if forgotten
PHRASE: Is minic a bhris beal duine a shron.
PRONOUNCED: iss min/ick a vrish bale dinn/ih a hrone
MEANING: Many a time a man's mouth broke his nose
September 2003
PHRASE: An bhfuil pian ort?
PRONOUNCED: on will peen urt?
MEANING: Do you have any pain?
PHRASE: Beidh tu ag taisteal san otharcharr
PRONOUNCED: beg two egg tass/toil sann uttor/karr
MEANING: You are going by ambulance
PHRASE: Gheobhaidh me an bhanaltra duit
PRONOUNCED: yeo/igg/ may on bonn/all/trah dwit
MEANING: I will get the nurse for you
August 2003
PHRASE: An feidir liom cabhru leat?
PRONOUNCED: on fay/durr lum cow/roo latt
MEANING: May I help you?
PHRASE: An gno pearsanta no oifigiuil e?
PRONOUNCED: on no par/san/tha no iff/igg/ool ae
MEANING: Is it personal or official?
PHRASE: Cad is ainm duit, le do thoil?
PRONOUNCED: cod iss an/imm dwit, leh duh hull
MEANING: What is your name, please?
July 2003
PHRASE: Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras.
PRONOUNCED: iss mawt on tawn/lonn on tuck/russ
MEANING: Hunger is a good sauce
PHRASE: An bhfuil ocras ort?
PRONOUNCED: on will uck/russ urt
MEANING: Are you hungry?
PHRASE: An maith leat fion/beoir/tae/bainne?
PRONOUNCED: on mawt latt fyunn/byore/tay/bonnyeh
MEANING: Do you like wine/beer/tea/milk
June 2003
PHRASE: Ta ocras orm.
PRONOUNCED: taw uck/russ urm
MEANING: I am hungry
PHRASE: Ta tart orm.
PRONOUNCED: taw tart urm
MEANING: I am thirsty
PHRASE: Ba mhaith liom cupan tae
PRONOUNCED: buh wah lum cup/onn tay
MEANING: I would like a cup of tea
May 2003
PHRASE: Ta gaoth ann
PRONOUNCED: taw gay oww/inn
MEANING: It is windy
PHRASE: Ta an t-usice ann
PRONOUNCED: taw on tish/keh ann
MEANING: It is raining
PHRASE: Ta an t-adhar gorm
PRONOUNCED: taw an tat/hir gur/imm
MEANING: The sky is blue
April 2003
PHRASE: Dia duit ar maidin
PRONOUNCED: dee/ah dwit air mod/ging
MEANING: Good morning
PHRASE: Ca bhfuil do sheomra leaba?
PRONOUNCED: kaw will do shoim/rah labb/ah
MEANING: Where is your bedroom?
PHRASE: Ta se thuas an staighre
PRONOUNCED: taw shay who/iss on sty/rih
MEANING: It is upstairs
March 2003
PHRASE: Beannachtai na Feile Padraig
PRONOUNCED: bann/ockt/tee nih fail/eh pawd/rig
MEANING: Happy Saint Patrick's Day
PHRASE: Siochan leat
PRONOUNCED: shee/oh/con lat
MEANING: Peace be with you
PHRASE: Slán agus beannacht leat
PRONOUNCED: slawn og/us ban/ockt lat
MEANING: Goodbye and blessings on you
February 2003
PHRASE: Tuigim Gaeilge shimpli
PRONOUNCED: thug/imm gale/geh him/plee
MEANING: I understand simple irish
PHRASE: Nil moran Gaeilge agam.
PRONOUNCED: kneel more/on gale/geh ah/gum
MEANING: I dont have much Irish
PHRASE: De reir a cheile a thogtar na caisleain
PRONOUNCED: day rare a kayla a hug/tar nah cosh/lawn
MEANING: It takes time to build castles
January 2003
PHRASE: Ni h-e la na baisti la na bpaisti
PRONOUNCED: nee hay law na bawshtee law na bawshtee
MEANING: A rainy day isn't a day for the children
PHRASE: Is e do bhaile do chaislean
PRONOUNCED: iss ay duh vol-yah duh cosh-lawn
MEANING: Your house is your castle
PHRASE: Tir gan teanga, tir gan anam
PRONOUNCED: teer gon tyong-ga, teer gon on-umm
MEANING: A country (land) without a language, a country without a soul
November 2002
PHRASE: Ta cupla focail Gaeilge agam
PRONOUNCED: taw koo-pluh fuk-ill gale-geh ah/gum
MEANING: I have a couple of words of Irish
PHRASE: Nil aon sceal eile orm
PRONOUNCED: kneel ayne skale ella urm
MEANING: I don't have any other story
PHRASE: Oiche mhaith, codladh samh
PRONOUNCED: eehah wot, culla sovh
MEANING: Good night, sleep well
October 2002
PHRASE: Go hifreann leat!
PRONOUNCED: guh hiff-irr-in lat
MEANING: To hell with you!
PHRASE: Go dtachta an diabhal tu!
PRONOUNCED: guh dock-tah on dee-veal two
MEANING: May the devil choke you!
PHRASE: Imigh sa diabhal!
PRONOUNCED: im-ihh sah dee-veal
MEANING: Go to the devil!
September 2002
PHRASE: Ca as duit?
PRONOUNCED: caw oss dit
MEANING: Where are you from?
PHRASE: Is as Meiricea/Sasana/Eire dom
PRONOUNCED: iss oss mare-i-caw/sos-in-ah/air-ah dum
MEANING: I am from America/England/Ireland!
PHRASE: Ta tu go h-aileann
PRONOUNCED: taw two guh haul-inn
MEANING: You are beautiful!
August 2002
PHRASE: eistigi liom!
PRONOUNCED: eish-tig-ee lum
MEANING: listen to me!
PHRASE: Dún do bheal!
PRONOUNCED: shut your mouth!
MEANING: duin duh vale!
PHRASE: gabh mo leithscéal!
PRONOUNCED: guh muh lesh/kale
MEANING: pardon me!
July 2002
PHRASE: Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras.
PRONOUNCED: Iss mot on tawn/lawn on tuck/russ?
MEANING: Hunger is a good sauce
PHRASE: An bhfuil ocras ort?
PRONOUNCED: On will uck/russ urt?
MEANING: Are you hungry?
PHRASE: Níl. Ach tá tart orm.
PRONOUNCED: Kneel. Ock taw tart ur/um
MEANING: No, but I am thirsty
April 2002
PHRASE: Ta me/Ta Tu/Ta se/Ta si/Taimid
PRONOUNCED: Taw may/Taw two/Taw shay/Taw she/Tom-eed
MEANING: I am/You are/He is/She is/We are
PHRASE: Ta me in a gconai in aice on siopa
PRONOUNCED: Taw may inn ah goin-ee inn ack-ah on shup-ah
MEANING: I am living beside the shop
PHRASE: Ta si ag leamh on paipear
PRONOUNCED: Taw she egg lave on paw/pear
MEANING: She is reading the paper
March 2002
PHRASE: Beannachtai na Feile Padraig
PRONOUNCED: ban/ocked/tee nah fail/eh pawd/rig
MEANING: Happy Saint Patricks Day
PHRASE: Fear/Bean ar do mhian agat
PRONOUNCED: far/ban air duh vian ah/gut
MEANING: A husband/wife of your choice to you
PHRASE: Faol saol agat agus bas in Eirinn
PRONOUNCED: fweel sail ah/gut og/us boss in air/in
MEANING: Long life to you and death in Ireland.
February 2002
PHRASE: aon, do, tri, ceithir, cuig
se, seacht, ocht, naoi, deich
PRONOUNCED: ain, dough, tree, kerr/ih, koo/igg
shay, shocht, uck/th, knee, deh
MEANING: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
PHRASE: Mir a haon ar an gClar Gno
PRONOUNCED: mere ah hain air on glar gh/no
MEANING: Item one on the agenda
PHRASE: Iadsan go leir ata i bhfabhar?
PRONOUNCED: eed/sun go lair ah/taw ih vow/arr
MEANING: All those in favour?
PHRASE: Iadsan go leir ata in aghaidh?
PRONOUNCED: eed/sun go lair ah/taw in eye/gh
MEANING: All those against?
PHRASE: Cruinniu ar Athlo!
PRONOUNCED: krin/u air ott/low
MEANING: Meeting adjourned!
January 2002
PHRASE: Cé atá ag glaoch, le do thoil?
PRONOUNCED: K ah/taw egg glay/ock, leh duh hull?
MEANING: Who is calling?
PHRASE: Tá an líne gafa
PRONOUNCED: Taw on leena goffa
MEANING: The line is engaged
PHRASE: Níl aon fhreagra
PRONOUNCED: Kneel ain frag/ra
MEANING: There is no answer
PHRASE: Bainfidh mé triail as an líne eile
PRONOUNCED: Bwin/igg may treel os on leena ella
MEANING: I will try the other line
PHRASE: Tá brón orm faoin moill
PRONOUNCED: Thaw bro/inn ur/im fween mwill
MEANING: I am sorry for the delay
PHRASE: Níl sé/sí istigh inniu
PRONOUNCED: Kneel shay/shee ish/tig in/u
MEANING: He/She is not in today
PHRASE: Cén uimhir ghutháin atá agat?
PRONOUNCED: Kane iv/or goo/tawn ah/taw ah/gut?
MEANING: What is your Telephone Number?
PHRASE: Cén t-eolas atá uait?
PRONOUNCED: Kane toe/lass ah/taw ooh/it?
MEANING: What information do you want?
PHRASE: Gheobhaidh tú gach eolas san bhileog
PRONOUNCED: Yeo/ig two gock o/lass san vill/owge
MEANING: You will get all the information in the leaflet
October 2001
PHRASE: An feidir liom cabhru leat?
PRONOUNCED: On fay/dur lum kav/roo lath?
MEANING: May I help you?
PHRASE: Cad is ainm duit, le do thoil?
PRONOUNCED: Cod is ann/um dwit, leh duh hull?
MEANING: What is your name please?
PHRASE: Cen seoladh atá agat, le do thoil ?
PRONOUNCED: Kane show/lah ah/taw ah/gut, leh duh hull?
MEANING: What is your address please?
September 2001
PHRASE: An bhfuil Gaelige/Bearla agat?
PRONOUNCED: On will gale-geh/bear-lah ah-gut?
MEANING: Do you speak Irish/English?
PHRASE: An dtuigeann tú?
PRONOUNCED: On digg/inn two
MEANING: Do you understand?
PHRASE: Tuigim/Ni thuigim
PRONOUNCED: tigg-im/knee higg-im
MEANING: I understand/I don't understand
August 2001
PHRASE: Cen tam e?
PRONOUNCED: cane thom a?
MEANING: What time is it?
PHRASE: Ta se a tri a chlog ar maidin
PRONOUNCED: Taw shay ah tree ah clug air mod/gin
MEANING: It is three o'clock in the morning
PHRASE: Ta se deich noimead tar eis a naoi
PRONOUNCED: Taw shay deh no/made tar aish a knee
MEANING: It is ten minutes after nine
July 2001
PHRASE: Na dean sin!
PRONOUNCED: naw dane shin
MEANING: Don't do that!
PHRASE: Bi samhach!
PRONOUNCED: bee zoww/ock
MEANING: Be Quiet!
PHRASE: Duin an doras!
PRONOUNCED: doon on dur/oss
MEANING: Shut the Door!
June 2001
PHRASE: Breith lá Sona Duit!
PRONOUNCED: breht law sunna dwit!
MEANING: Happy birthday to you!
PHRASE: Go maire tú an lá!
PRONOUNCED: go marra two on law
MEANING: Many happy returns! (Congratulations!)
PHRASE: Sláinte agus saol chugat!
PRONOUNCED: slawn/che ogg/us sail koo/gut!
MEANING: Health and long life to you!
May 2001
PHRASE: Tá grá agam duit!
PRONOUNCED: taw graw agg/um dwit
MEANING: I love you!
PHRASE: Mo mhíle grá
PRONOUNCED: muh veal/ah graw
MEANING: My thousand loves
PHRASE: Go raibh míle maith agat!
PRONOUNCED: Guh ruh meal/ah mawt ag/gut
(literal: may you have a thousand good things!)
MEANING: Many thanks!
April 2001
PHRASE: Cén dath atá ar ?
PRONOUNCED: cain dawt ah/taw air?
MEANING: What color is it?
PHRASE: Ta se dearg/gorm/bui/glas/dubh/ban
PRONOUNCED: Taw shay djar-ig/gurm/gloss/duve/bawn
MEANING: It is red/blue/green/black/white
PHRASE: Cad e sin?
PRONOUNCED: Cod eh shin?
MEANING: What is that
PHRASE: Is clog/balla/blathanna e
PRONOUNCED: Iss clug/bolla/blaw-on-ah eh
MEANING: It's a clock/wall/flowers
March 2001
PHRASE: Cad ba mhaith leat?
PRONOUNCED: cod buh watt lat
MEANING: What would you like?
PHRASE: Ba mhaith liom tae/bainne/uisce beatha/beoir
PRONOUNCED: buh watt lum tay/bonn-ye/ishka ba-ha/bee-yore
MEANING: I would like tea/milk/whiskey/beer
PHRASE: Ni maith liom /bricfeasta/lon/suipear
PRONOUNCED: knee mawt lum brick/fasta/loan/sue-pear
MEANING: I would not like breakfast/lunch/supper
February 2001
PHRASE: Tá tart mór orm?
PRONOUNCED: taw tart moor urm?
MEANING: I am very thirsty?
PHRASE: Cá bhfuil an teach pobail? ostán, teach, airgead
PRONOUNCED: caw will on chock pub/ill? us/tawn, chock, are/igid
MEANING: Where is the Pub? hotel, house, money
PHRASE: Sláinte!
PRONOUNCED: slawn/che
MEANING: Health! (Cheers!)
January 2001
PHRASE: Cé as tú?
PRONOUNCED: K/oss/tu
MEANING: Where are you from?
PHRASE: As America, is tú féin?
PRONOUNCED: oss/America/iss/tu/feign
MEANING: From America, and yourself?
PHRASE: As Australia
PRONOUNCED: oss/Australia
MEANING: From Australia
December 2000
PHRASE: Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise duit!
PRONOUNCED: Nullig fwee yan iss fwee mway/shih dwit
MEANING: A prosperous and enjoyable Christmas!
PHRASE: Nollaig Shona duit
PRONOUNCED: nullig hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy Christmas to you
PHRASE: Athblian shona duit
PRONOUNCED: ought/bleen hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy new year to you
November 2000
PHRASE: Michael is ainm dom
PRONOUNCED: Michael is ann/um dum
MEANING: My name is Michael
PHRASE: Cad is ainm duit?
PRONOUNCED: cod is ann/um dwit?
MEANING: What is your name?
PHRASE: Is as Éire dom
PRONOUNCED: iss oss air/eh dum
MEANING: I am from Ireland
October 2000
PHRASE: Tá mé Tuirseach
PRONOUNCED: thaw may tir/shock
MEANING: I am tired
PHRASE: Tá mé ar buille
PRONOUNCED: thaw may air boo/ill/ya
MEANING: I am angry
PHRASE: Tá mé air meisce
PRONOUNCED: Thaw may air mesh/kah
MEANING: I am drunk
September 2000
PHRASE: Is fear rith maith ná drochsheasamh.
PRONOUNCED: is far rit mot nah druck/shass/ubh
MEANING: A good run is better than a bad stand
PHRASE: Más é do thoil é
PRONOUNCED: Mawsh a duh hull a ('a'as in 'bay')
MEANING: If you please
PHRASE: Saol fada chugat
PRONOUNCED: Sail fod/ah cu/gut
MEANING: Long life to you
August 2000
PHRASE: Gura slán an scéalai
PRONOUNCED: gur/ah slawn on skale/e
MEANING: May the bearer of the news be safe
PHRASE: ...a chuisle mo chroí...
PRONOUNCED: a quish/leh muh kree
MEANING: ...my dear darling/treasure...
PHRASE: ...a ghrá mo chroí...
PRONOUNCED: a graw muh kree
MEANING: ...love of my heart...
July 2000
PHRASE: Scileann fíon fírinne.
PRONOUNCED: Skill/awn fyun fir/in/eh.
MEANING: Wine lets out the truth.
The following 2 phrases are the equivalent of 'curses'.
PHRASE: Imeacht gan teacht ort.
PRONOUNCED: Im/ockt gon chock/th urt.
MEANING: May you leave without returning.
PHRASE: Titim gan éirí ort.
PRONOUNCED: Chitim gon eye/ree urt.
MEANING: May you fall without rising.
June 2000
PHRASE: Nach breá an lá é?
PRONOUNCED: knock brah on law eh
MEANING: Isn't it a nice day?
PHRASE: Tá an ceart agat. Tá sé go breá anseo.
PRONOUNCED: Taw on cart ah gut. Taw shay go brah on shuh
MEANING: You are right. It is nice here?
PHRASE: Nil' an aimsir go maith inniu
PRONOUNCED: Kneel on ayeim shur go mawt in you
MEANING: The weather isn't good today
PHRASE: Gura slán an scéalai
PRONOUNCED: gur ah slawn on skale e
MEANING: May the person bearing the news be safe
PHRASE: Tá failte romhat
PRONOUNCED: Taw fall cheh row at
MEANING: You are welcome
May 2000
PHRASE: Conas atá tú?
PRONOUNCED: kuniss ah-taw two
MEANING: How are you?
PHRASE: Tá mé go maith
PRONOUNCED: Taw may go mawt
MEANING: I am well
PHRASE: Oíche mhaith
PRONOUNCED: e-ha whawt
MEANING: Good night
PHRASE: Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin
PRONOUNCED: Kneel ain tin-tin mar duh yin-tin feign
MEANING: There's no place like home
PHRASE: An bhfuil bean sa chistin?
PRONOUNCED: On will ban sa khish-tin?
MEANING: Is there a woman in the kitchen?
(replace 'bean' with 'fear' (pronounced 'far')
to ask 'is there a man in the kitchen?')
April 2000
PHRASE: Eireann go braugh (bráth)
PRONOUNCED: air-in go braw
MEANING: Ireland forever!
PHRASE: Dia dhuit
PRONOUNCED: dee-ah dwit
MEANING: God (Dia) be with you.
This phrase is the equivalent of 'Hello'.
PHRASE: Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
PRONOUNCED: air esh day go row a ann-im
('row' as in a fight, tiff, argument)
MEANING: May he rest in peace
This is a common phrase used on funeral
condolence cards, gravestones, etc.
PHRASE: Go n-éirí on bóthar leat
PRONOUNCED: go nigh-ree on boat-or lat
('nigh' as in 'the end is nigh')
MEANING: May the road rise with you
PHRASE: Slán agus beannacht leat
PRONOUNCED: slawn og-us bann-ockt lat
MEANING: Goodbye and blessings on you
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