If you enjoyed my incredible list of Irish sayings previously, you might also be looking for some Irish greetings.
And Irish greetings often reflect the warmth and friendliness of Irish people. In addition to these Irish greetings at the end I have added in some top-quality Irish birthday greetings to surprise that friend, family member or partner.
Here are some common and easy Irish greetings:
These wonderful phrases can be used in social settings, on a birthday card, at the local pub or even just to impress your friends! And for friends who departed, read this post.
- Dia dhuit:
- Pronunciation: dee-uh ghwitch
- Meaning: This is a traditional Irish greeting that means “God be with you.” It’s a common way to say “hello.”
- Dia is Muire dhuit:
- Pronunciation: dee-uh iss mwir-uh ghwitch
- Meaning: This greeting means “God and Mary be with you” and is often used as a response to “Dia dhuit.”
- Conas atá tú?
- Pronunciation: koh-nuhs ah-taw too
- Meaning: This means “How are you?” and is a common way to ask someone how they are doing.
- Tá mé go maith:
- Pronunciation: taw may goh mah
- Meaning: This response means “I am well.”
- Slán:
- Pronunciation: slawn
- Meaning: This is a way to say “goodbye” and is often used with other phrases like “Slán go fóill” (Goodbye for now) or “Slán go deo” (Goodbye forever).
- Beannacht Dé ort:
- Pronunciation: ban-uhkht day urt
- Meaning: This means “God bless you” and is a common blessing in Ireland.
- Go raibh maith agat:
- Pronunciation: goh rev mah ah-guht
- Meaning: This is a way to say “thank you.”
- Le do thoil:
- Pronunciation: leh duh hull
- Meaning: This means “please” and is often used when making a request.
- Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat:
- Pronunciation: goh nay-ree un taw lyat
- Meaning: This is a way to wish someone good luck, and it means “May luck rise with you.”
- Céad míle fáilte:
- Pronunciation: kayd meel-uh fawl-cheh
- Meaning: This is a traditional Irish welcome that means “A hundred thousand welcomes.” It’s often used to greet visitors warmly.
- Sláinte:
- Pronunciation: slahn-cheh
- Meaning: This is a common Irish toast that means “health.” It’s often used when raising a glass for a drink.
- Sé do bheatha:
- Pronunciation: shay duh va-huh
- Meaning: This means “Welcome” and is often used to greet someone.
- Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo arís:
- Pronunciation: goh mer-uh mwid byoh air un ahm shuh ah-reesh
- Meaning: This is a blessing that means “May we be alive at this time next year.”
- Beidh mé ar ais:
- Pronunciation: bay may air ah-ish
- Meaning: This phrase means “I will be back.” It’s a way to let someone know you’ll return. Unless of course, you are doing a sneaky Irish goodbye.
- This is one of the better-known Irish toasts, and it’s easy to memorise and read aloud.May you never lie, steal, cheat or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in each other’s arms.
If you must steal, steal kisses.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink with us, your friends.
Here are 10 Irish birthday greetings to amaze your Irish friends with the Irish pronunciation, of course!
- Lá breithe shona duit!
- Pronunciation: law breh-heh hun-uh ditch
- Meaning: This is a traditional way to say “Happy Birthday!” in Irish.
- Breithlá sona duit!
- Pronunciation: breh-law son-uh ditch
- Meaning: This is another common way to wish someone a happy birthday in Irish.
- Go maire tú an lá!
- Pronunciation: goh mah-ruh too un law
- Meaning: This means, “May you live to see the day!”
- Sláinte agus táinte!
- Pronunciation: slahn-cheh ah-guhs tawn-cheh
- Meaning: This is a cheerful birthday toast that means “Health and wealth!”
- Go dté tú an céad mile bliain eile!
- Pronunciation: goh jay too un kayd mil-uh blee-an el-uh
- Meaning: This means “May you live another hundred thousand years!” It’s a way of expressing the wish for a long and healthy life.
- Lá breithe mhaith agat!
- Pronunciation: law breh-heh wah ah-guht
- Meaning: This translates to “Have a good birthday!” and is a simple and friendly way to wish someone well on their special day.
- Breithlá sona duit, is breá liom tú!
- Pronunciation: breh-law son-uh ditch, iss brah lyum too
- Meaning: This means “Happy Birthday, I love you!” It’s a heartfelt way to express your affection on their birthday.
- Céad míle fáilte romhat chuig lá breithe na bliana seo!
- Pronunciation: kayd meel-uh fawl-cheh row-wut khwig law breh-heh nuh blee-an-uh shuh
- Meaning: This translates to “A hundred thousand welcomes to your birthday this year!” It’s a warm and welcoming birthday greeting.
- Lá breithe shona is faoi mhaise duit!
- Pronunciation: law breh-heh hun-uh iss fwee wah-shuh ditch
- Meaning: This means “A happy and prosperous birthday to you!”
- Tá súil agam go mbeidh lá breithe álainn agat! – My favourite of the Irish greetings
- Pronunciation: taw soo-il ah-gum goh may law breh-heh awl-in ah-guht
- Meaning: This translates to “I hope you have a beautiful birthday!” It’s a lovely way to convey your wishes for a special day
You can even use some of these Irish birthday greetings in everyday conversations, especially in social settings or when meeting someone for the first time.
In conclusion, Irish greetings and birthday wishes are not just mere words but a reflection of the warmth, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage of Irish people around the world. Whether you’re saying “Dia dhuit” to greet someone with the blessing of God or extending your best wishes on their birthday with “Lá breithe shona duit,” these phrases carry the spirit of Ireland with them.
The Irish language, with its melodious pronunciation and heartfelt meanings, adds a touch of magic to everyday interactions. Which is why I think it was a much-needed addition to the Irish pronunciation. Did you find them useful? Comment and let me know!
And whether you’re raising a pint with a heartfelt “Sláinte” or wishing someone a long and healthy life with “Go dté tú an céad mile bliain eile,” these Irish greetings and birthday wishes are sure to bring a smile to the faces of those you share them with. They serve as a reminder that, in Ireland, every greeting is a warm embrace, and every birthday is a cause for celebration.
So go ahead, and spread these Irish greetings and Irish birthday wishes to someone you love! Or just hit that share button and share with the world. Sláinte agus breithlá sona! (Cheers and happy birthday!)
Stephen P
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