How to Say Seven Key Gaelic Phrases

Step 1: Say hello Give everyone you meet a pleasant, “Dia duit!” which means, “Good day!”
Step 2: Exchange pleasantries Respond to a greeting of “Dia duit,” with “Dia is Muire duit,” which means “God and Mary to you.”
Step 3: Be polite Be polite by knowing how to say please – “le d’thoil” – and “thank you” – “go raibh maith agat.”
Step 4: Know how to say “yes” and “no” Know how to say “yes” – ta – and “no” – nil.
Step 5: Say “Cheers!” Know how to say “Cheers!” in a pub; the word is “Slainte!”
TIP: To add good health wishes to your toast, say: “Slainte chugat.”
Step 6: Say goodbye Bid someone farewell with “slan.”
Step 7: Know where the action is If someone mentions “craic agus ceol,” put on your dancing shoes: It refers to Irish nightlife involving music.
FACT: The Irish alphabet, a variant of the Roman alphabet that developed in the 8th century CE, only has 18 letters.

Lessons in this Guide