Conversational Irish Survival Phrases

The following Irish language lesson is an excerpt from Transparent Language's Irish software, IrishNow!. The Basic Irish Phrases and the Irish Phrases for Meeting and Greeting will lead you to the Irish Dialog at the end, which exemplifies how these Irish survival phrases are used in conversational Irish. Single click on the phrase to hear the Irish pronunciation spoken by a native Irish speaker. Take advantage of this language resource as you learn to speak Irish!

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(Warning: Each time you click on a phrase a new audio player is opened.)

Basic Irish Phrases

Is ea. Yes.

Ní hea. No.

Más é do thoil é. Please.

Go raibh maith agat. Thank you.

Tá fáilte romhat. You're welcome.

Gabh mo leithscéal. Excuse me.

Tá brón orm. I'm sorry.

Dia dhuit ar maidin. Good morning.

Tráthnóna maith agat. Good evening.

Oíche mhaith. Good night.

Irish Phrases for Meeting and Greeting

Maith dom mo chuid Gaeilge bhriste.  Excuse my poor Irish.

Níl agam ach beagáinín Gaeilge.  I only speak a little Irish.

An labhraíonn tú Gaeilge?   Do you speak Irish?

An labhraíonn éinne anseo Gaeilge?  Does anyone here speak Irish?

Cad is ainm duit?  What is your name?

Is mise Bríd.  My name is Bríd.

Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?  How are you?

Tá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat.  I'm fine, thank you.

Tá an-athás orm bualadh leat.  I am very glad to meet you.

Ba dheas casadh leat.  It was nice meeting you.

Ní thuigim. I don't understand.

Cad a dúirt tú?  What did you say?

An miste leat labhairt níos moille?  Can you speak more slowly?

Bíodh lá maith agat!  Have a nice day!

Irish Dialog

Eilís:	Dia dhuit ar maidin. Good morning.
Brian:	Dia is Muire dhuit féin! Good morning to you! Tá Gaeilge agat, bail ó Dhia ort. You speak Irish, good for you.
Eilís:	Níl agam ach beagáinín Gaeilge. I'm afraid I only speak a little Irish. Tá beagán cúthaileachta orm fós faoi bheith á labhairt. I'm still a little nervous about speaking it.
Brian:	Mar sin féin, coinnigh ort. Even so, you should continue.

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