English to Irish Gaelic: 50 Essential Words and Phrases

February 17, 2025 Dr. Siobhán O'Sullivan 8 min read
Beautiful Irish countryside with traditional cottage

Discover the essential Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) words and phrases that will help you communicate effectively in Ireland. Whether you're planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, interested in Irish culture, or beginning your journey to learn Irish Gaelic, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic greetings to essential expressions, complete with authentic pronunciation guides.

Basic Greetings and Courtesies

Master these fundamental Irish Gaelic greetings used in everyday conversations. These common phrases will help you make a great first impression and show respect for the local culture and language traditions.

Hello
Dia dhuit
(jee-uh gwitch)
Good morning
Maidin mhaith
(ma-jin vah)
Good afternoon/evening
Tráthnóna maith
(traw-noh-nah mah)
Good night
Oíche mhaith
(ee-ha vah)
Goodbye
Slán
(slawn)
Please
Le do thoil
(leh duh hull)
Thank you
Go raibh maith agat
(guh rev mah ah-gut)
You're welcome
Tá fáilte romhat
(taw foyal-cha row-at)
Yes
(taw)
No
Níl
(neel)

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Essential Phrases

Learn these key Irish Gaelic phrases to navigate common situations and engage in basic conversations. These expressions are carefully selected to help you communicate effectively in various daily scenarios.

How are you?
Conas atá tú?
(kun-us ah-taw too)
I'm fine
Tá mé go maith
(taw may guh mah)
What's your name?
Cad is ainm duit?
(cod iss an-im ditch)
My name is...
Is mise...
(iss mish-eh)
Nice to meet you
Tá áthas orm bualadh leat
(taw aw-has ur-um bool-ah lat)
I don't understand
Ní thuigim
(nee hig-im)
Do you speak English?
An bhfuil Béarla agat?
(on will bay-ar-la ah-gut)
I'm learning Irish
Táim ag foghlaim Gaeilge
(taw-im egg fow-lim gay-il-geh)
Could you repeat that?
An féidir leat é sin a rá arís?
(on fay-dir lat ay shin ah raw ah-reesh)
Where is...?
Cá bhfuil...?
(kaw will)

Common Words

Build your Irish Gaelic vocabulary with these frequently used words. From food and drinks to important locations, these terms will help you navigate daily life in Irish-speaking areas.

Water
Uisce
(ish-ka)
Food
Bia
(bee-ah)
Coffee
Caife
(caf-eh)
Tea
Tae
(tay)
Beer
Beoir
(b'yore)
Whiskey
Uisce beatha
(ish-ka ba-ha)
Shop
Siopa
(shup-ah)
Restaurant
Bialann
(bee-ah-lan)
Bathroom
Leithreas
(leh-rass)
Train station
Stáisiún traenach
(staw-shoon train-ock)

Useful Expressions

Enhance your Irish Gaelic conversations with these practical expressions. From showing appreciation to expressing emotions, these phrases will help you connect more deeply with Irish speakers.

I love you
Tá grá agam duit
(taw graw ah-gum ditch)
Cheers!
Sláinte!
(slawn-cha)
Happy Birthday
Lá breithe sona duit
(law breh-ha sun-ah ditch)
Welcome
Fáilte
(foyal-cha)
Excuse me
Gabh mo leithscéal
(gov muh leh-shkale)
Sorry
Tá brón orm
(taw brawn ur-um)
Very good!
An-mhaith!
(on-vah)
Beautiful
Álainn
(aw-ling)
Delicious
Blasta
(blas-ta)
See you later
Feicfidh mé tú níos déanaí
(feck-ee may too nees jay-nee)

Numbers 1-10

Master the basic Irish Gaelic number system with these essential numerals. Understanding numbers is crucial for everything from shopping to telling time in Irish Gaelic.

1
Aon
(ayn)
2
(doh)
3
Trí
(tree)
4
Ceathair
(ka-her)
5
Cúig
(koo-ig)
6
(shay)
7
Seacht
(shocked)
8
Ocht
(uckt)
9
Naoi
(nee)
10
Deich
(jeh)

Pro Tip

In Irish Gaelic, pronunciation can vary significantly between different dialects (Ulster, Connacht, and Munster). These pronunciations are based on the standard form, but you might hear variations depending on the region you're visiting.

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