Ever wondered how to say goodbye in Irish Gaelic? These basic Irish words are actually simple to learn. While translating full Irish to English sentences can feel like a hassle, learning everyday Irish phrases as Gaeilge can make it much easier.

Start with greetings. Then move on to phrases used in daily conversations. You’ll find many fun Irish words and traditional Gaelic sayings that are enjoyable to pick up. Once you’re familiar with these, forming basic Irish sentences becomes much more natural.

Let’s explore some of the most popular Irish Gaelic phrases and how to pronounce them.

Irish Phrases As Gaeilge

Looking for everyday expressions but unsure how to say them in Irish Gaelic? Here’s a list of common Irish phrases as Gaeilge with meanings and pronunciations.

Go n-éirí leat

Means: Good luck to you
Pronounced: Guh nye-ree lat

Dia dhuit

Means: Hello
Pronounced: Dee-ah gwit

Maidin mhaith

Means: Good morning
Pronounced: Maw-din wah

Slán

Means: Goodbye
Pronounced: Slawn

Go raibh maith agat

Means: Thank you
Pronounced: Guh rev mah ag-ut
To say “Thank you very much”, use: Go raibh míle maith agat

Gabh mo leithscéal

Means: Excuse me
Pronounced: Gow muh lesh-kale

Oíche mhaith

Means: Good night
Pronounced: Ee-ha wah

Fáilte

Means: Welcome
Pronounced: Fall-cha

Conas atá tú?

Means: How are you?
Pronounced: Cun-us ah-taw too

Sláinte

Used as “Cheers!”
Pronounced: Slawn-cha

Maith thú

Means: Well done
Pronounced: Mah hoo

Feicfidh mé go luath thú

Means: See you soon
Pronounced: Feck-ig may guh loo-ah hoo

Álainn

Means: Beautiful
Pronounced: Aw-lin

Sea, le do thoil

Means: Yes, please
Pronounced: Sha, leh duh hull

Níl

Means: No
Pronounced: Neel

Common Irish Language Sayings

Maith thú is one of those phrases that tourists often miss. But there’s more to the language than just greetings. After you’ve learnt how to say goodbye in Gaelic, try learning some wise Irish proverbs as Gaeilge.

Dramhaíl toiliúil a dhéanann riachtanas truamhéalach

Pronounced: Drawv-wheel till-ool ah yay-nin reekh-tin-is troo-vay-lukh
Meaning: “Wilful waste makes woeful want”

Is anlann maith é an t-ocras

Pronounced: Is on-linn mah ay on tuck-ris
Meaning: “Hunger is good sauce” – Everything tastes better when you’re hungry.

Ní mhaireann solas na maidine don lá

Pronounced: Nee wir-in sul-us nah maw-din-yeh dun law
Meaning: “The morning sun doesn’t last all day” – Enjoy moments before they fade.

Am agus foighne a thógann seilide go Corcaigh

Pronounced: Awm ah-gus fwin-yeh a hoh-gunn shell-id-eh guh Kur-kig
Meaning: “Time and patience bring a snail to Cork”

Chomh ciotach le muc i scioból

Pronounced: Koh kyut-ukh leh muck ih shki-bowl
Meaning: “As awkward as a pig in a shed” – Used for someone who feels out of place.

Fásann roinnt mhaith ar thalamh éadomhain

Pronounced: Faw-sin runt wah air hal-uv ay-dow-in
Meaning: “Many good things grow on shallow ground”

Méid coirnéal le mála móna

Pronounced: Made cor-nale leh maw-la mow-na
Meaning: “As many corners as a bag of turf” – Describes odd shapes or quirky people.

Ná scall do bheola ar leite fear eile

Pronounced: Naw scall duh vyo-la ar let-cha far el-eh
Meaning: “Don’t burn your lips with another man’s porridge”

Cuir síoda ar ghabhar agus is gabhar i gcónaí é

Pronounced: Kur shee-da ar gow-ar og-us is gow-ar ih go-nee ay
Meaning: “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”

Is é an bealach is faide timpeall an bealach is giorra abhaile

Pronounced: Iss ay on bal-ukh iss fy-duh tim-pull an bal-ukh iss gyur-ah a-wal-yeh
Meaning: “The longest way round is the shortest way home”

Conclusion

We often see English quotes and wonder how they’d sound in Irish. Learning to use Irish sayings helps you connect better with locals and appreciate the culture.

Irish language quotes are poetic and packed with meaning. They’re perfect for everyday use, social situations, or even tattoos.

With regular practice, these Irish phrases as Gaeilge will start to feel natural. So go ahead, use them in daily chats or sprinkle some Irish into your stories.

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