In just a few days, the best day of the year will be upon us: Saint Patrick's Day. I may be a bit biased since I think all things Irish are awesome. However, I think we can all agree there's no better time of the year than Saint Patrick's Day to learn a little more about Ireland's culture. What better way to do that than learning some of the Irish language? With the help of my Irish speaking editor, Seán, I have compiled a list of seventeen Irish words and phrases that will impress anyone you meet this Saint Patrick's Day. You might even learn a thing or two about Ireland along the way.
1. As gaelige.
Pronunciation: ash gwailguh
This means "In Irish!" so get ready to learn some! It's going to be mighty craic (you'll learn that one later).
2. Dia dhuit!
Pronunciation: dia duitch
The direct translation of this is, "God be with you." but simply means, "hello." Make sure to respond with, "Dia is Murie dhuit" if someone says this to you. It means, "God and Mary be with you." which is the same as saying, "Hello to you too."
3. Conas a tá tú?
Pronunciation: cone-us aw tah too
This translates to, "How are you?" Smack "Dia dhuit" in front of it and you've got yourself a conversation starter!
4. Is ainm dom...
Pronunciation: ish anim dome
This means, "My name is..." which is always an important phrase to know in any language.
5. Maith thú.
Pronunciation: maw too
This phrase translates to "Good on you." You might want to use this after someone finishes an Irish Car Bomb in one go or anything else you think deserves a bit of admiration.
6.An bhfuil tú ceart go leor í do ceann?
Pronunciation: An wheel tu cart go lore ee ju cown
This phrase literally translates to, "Are you alright in the head?" but more loosely means, "Are you crazy?" Honestly, this phrase could really come in handy all year round. It makes you look intelligent because it's in another language and no one gets offended because they have no idea what you're saying. Bilingual mocking is always the best, but it's even better when it's in Irish.
7. Póg mo thóin!
Pronunciation: pog ma hon
This is just another culturally diverse way of saying "Kiss my a**". It is typically found on shot glasses like the one featured above. Hopefully this inspires a Saint Paddy's Day tattoo for someone, somewhere.
8. Pógíní gréinne
Pronunciation: poe-geeny grey-na
This phrase's literal translation is,"sun kisses" or " freckles". It's a perfect example of the poetic terminology that can be found within the Irish language.
9. Eireann
Pronunciation: Erin
This is the Irish word for Ireland. The name Erin is simple an anglicized version of Eireann so, if your name is Erin, you were named after one of the coolest countries in the world. Congrats.
10. Bhaile Átha Cliath
Pronunciation: balya aha cli
This is the Irish name for Dublin, Ireland's capital. You're probably wondering why the two names look so different. Blame the English. The Irish originally named Dublin "Bhaile Átha Cliath", which translates to, "town of the hurdle ford," because the Vikings built wooden hurtles around the city's main river, the River Liffey, making it very dangerous to cross. When the English colonized Ireland, they anglicized all of the city names, and came up with Dublin for the country's capital.
11. Gallimh
Pronunciation: galliv
This is the Irish word for Galway, one of the largest cities on Ireland's west coast. It is also my favorite city in the entire world. Since it's the home of both Oscar Wilde and one of the most cherished Irish folk songs, The Galway Girl, this city should definitely be on your bucket list.
12. Craic
Pronunciation: crack
Craic means, "a fun or entertaining time." It's also a slang term the Irish use frequently. I personally feel like defining craic as "fun or entertaining" doesn't do it much justice. Craic has more to do with a place's aura or atmosphere. It's the feeling that comes with being at the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I'd suggest checking out this article from Irish Central to really get a better understanding of "the craic."
13. Sláinte!
Pronunciation: slawn-chuh
Sláinte is the Irish version of "cheers!" Its literal translation is, "health." Make sure to use it as often as you can. Wishing someone their health is never a bad thing, especially on Saint Patrick's Day.
14. Bás in Éirinn.
Pronunciation: boss in Erin
"Bás in Éirinn" is another toast that can be used during your time in the pub. It translates to, "Death in Ireland." While this may seem morbid, it is a sentiment strongly rooted in Irish culture. According to my folklore professor at the University of Limerick, the Irish believe that no matter where you go in your life, the goal is always to return to Ireland. If it does not happen in life, it should at least happen in death.
15. Ta me ar meisce.
pronounced taw may are mish-kuh
This phrase will definitely come in handy after you're a few pints in this Saint Paddy's. It means, "I'm a bit drunk."
16.Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste.
Pronunciation: ish far gael-geh brishteh naw bear-elh clish-te
This is an Irish phrase that translates to, "Broken Irish is better than clever English." While it's a bit of a mouthful, it's one of my favorites. The saying is the perfect blend of wit and Irish nationalism.
17. Lá fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!
Pronunciation: law wheel-ya paw-draig sunna deev
Of course, the best was saved for last. This is how you say, "Happy Saint Patrick's Day!" in Irish. Now go out and use all of your new Irish knowledge. Lá fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!
