The Irish language, known as Gaeilge, is a Celtic language native to Ireland. While English is the predominant language spoken across the country, Irish holds a special place in the cultural identity of the Irish people. It is one of the official languages of the Republic of Ireland and is also recognized in Northern Ireland. The language features a unique phonetic system, characterized by sounds that may be unfamiliar to English speakers.

Irish is rich in history and tradition, with its roots tracing back over 2,000 years. The language has three main dialects: Ulster, Connacht, and Munster, each with distinct pronunciations and vocabulary. This diversity reflects the regional variations across Ireland and adds to the complexity of learning the language.

In terms of pronunciation, Irish employs a system of fadas (accent marks) that modify vowel sounds, indicating whether they should be pronounced long or short. For example, the letter “a” without a fada is pronounced as in “cat,” while “á” (with a fada) is pronounced like “aw” in “saw.” Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication.

Basic Language Learning Guide

This guide provides essential phrases and vocabulary for travelers to Ireland, organized into key categories.

Numbers

Irish	English	Pronunciation
1	One	a haon (ah hayn)
2	Two	a dó (ah doe)
3	Three	a trí (ah tree)
4	Four	a ceathair (ah kyah-hir)
5	Five	a cúig (ah coo-ig)
6	Six	a sé (ah shay)
7	Seven	a seacht (ah shokht)
8	Eight	a hocht (ah hokht)
9	Nine	a naoi (ah nee)
10	Ten	a deich (ah dehkh)

Days of the Week

Irish	English	Pronunciation
Dé Luain	Monday	Jay LOO-in
Dé Máirt	Tuesday	Jay MAIRT
Dé Céadaoin	Wednesday	Jay KAY-deen
Déardaoin	Thursday	Jay AR-deen
Dé hAoine	Friday	Jay HEEN-yeh
Dé Sathairn	Saturday	Jay SA-ha-rin
Dé Domhnaigh	Sunday	Jay DOH-nee

Months

Irish	English	Pronunciation
Eanáir	January	AY-nar
Feabhra	February	FAV-rah
Márta	March	MAIR-ta
Aibreán	April	AV-ree-an
Bealtaine	May	BYAL-ta-neh
Meitheamh	June	MEH-haiv
Iúil	July	YOO-il
Lúnasa	August	LOON-as-ah
Meán Fómhair	September	MAWN FOH-wir
Deireadh Fómhair	October	DAY-rah FOH-wir
Mí na Samhna	November	MEE nah SOW-na
Mí na Nollag	December	MEE nah NOL-ug

Greetings

• Dia dhuit! – Hello! (dee-ah gwit)
• Dia is Muire dhuit! – Hello! (formal, literally “God and Mary be with you”) (dee-ah iss MWIR-eh gwit)
• Slán! – Goodbye! (slawn)
• Slán go fóill! – Goodbye for now! (slawn go FOHL)
• Conas atá tú? – How are you? (KUN-us ah-TAW too?)
• Tá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat! – I am well, thank you! (taw may go mah, guh rev MAH ag-ut)

Polite Expressions

• Le do thoil – Please (leh duh hull)
• Gabh mo leithscéal – Excuse me / I’m sorry (gaw mo lesh-kayl)
• Go raibh maith agat! – Thank you! (guh rev MAH ag-ut)
• Go raibh míle maith agat! – Thank you very much! (guh rev MEE-lah MAH ag-ut)

Basic Shopping Phrases

• An bhfuil praghas ar an… ? – What is the price of…? (an will PRAH-guhs air an…)
• Cá bhfuil… ? – Where is…? (caw will…)
• An féidir liom íoc le cárta creidmheasa? – Can I pay with a credit card? (an FAY-dur lum eek le KART-ah KRED-i-vassa?)
• An bhfuil sé ar díol? – Is it for sale? (an will shay air jeel?)

Ordering Food

• Ba mhaith liom… – I would like… (bah wah lum…)
• An bhfuil sé spicy? – Is it spicy? (an will shay SPICE-ee?)
• Cén t-am atá ann? – What time is it? (kayn tahm ah-taw ann?)
• An bhfuil an bia blasta? – Is the food tasty? (an will an BEE-ah BLAH-sta?)

Transportation Terms

• Bus – Bus (bus)
• Traein – Train (trayn)
• Aerfort – Airport (AIR-furt)
• Stáisiún traenach – Train station (STAW-shee-un TRAI-nukh)

Directions

• Ar chlé – To the left (air klay)
• Ar dheis – To the right (air hesh)
• Téigh ar aghaidh… – Go straight… (tay ih AR AH-yig…)
• Cén cosán atá ann? – Which way is it? (kayn KOH-sawn ah-taw ann?)

Hotel and Accommodation Vocabulary

• Óstán – Hotel (OS-tawn)
• Seomra – Room (SHUM-ra)
• Cén seomra atá agam? – Which room do I have? (kayn SHUM-ra ah-taw AH-gum?)
• An bhfuil bricfeasta san áireamh? – Is breakfast included? (an will BRICK-fas-ta san AH-rev?)

Emergency Phrases

In case of emergencies:

• Cabhraigh liom! – Help me! (KAW-rih lum!)
• Glaoigh ar an gardaí! – Call the police! (GLAW-ee air un GAR-dee!)

Common Questions

Here are some useful questions:

• Cad é? – What is it? (cad ay?)
• Cá fhad é sin? – How far is that? (caw hod ay shin?)

Weather Terms

Common weather-related vocabulary:

• Fliuch – Wet (FLIWKH)
• Grianmhar – Sunny (GREE-an-var)
• Fuarchúiseach – Cold and chilly (FOOR-khoo-shakh)

Cultural Etiquette Phrases

Understanding local customs can enhance your travel experience:

1. Use greetings when entering shops or restaurants.
2. Always thank people for their help.
3. Address older individuals with respect; use “A Thaoibh” or “A Sheanathair” for elders.

Health and Medical Terms

In case of emergencies:

1. Dochtúir – Doctor (DOKH-toor)
2. Otharcharrthóir – Ambulance driver/paramedic (OH-ar-khar-hor)

Dining Etiquette

When dining out, it’s polite to say:

1. Go raibh maith agat as an bia! – Thank you for the food!
2. Always wait for everyone to be served before starting your meal.

Local Attractions Vocabulary

Familiarize yourself with common tourist sites:

1. Caisleán – Castle (CASH-lawn)
2. Leacht cuimhneacháin – Memorial stone/tombstone [often found at historical sites]
3. Páirc náisiúnta – National park

Currency and Payment Terms

Understanding currency can ease transactions:

1. Euro – Euro
2. Cárta creidmheasa / cárta dochair: Credit card / debit card
3. Airgead tirim: Cash

Social Interactions

Engaging in small talk can be beneficial:

1. Ask about local customs or recommendations.
2. Discuss sports or music; they are popular topics among locals.

Compliments and Small Talk

Complimenting locals can create goodwill:

1. Is aoibhinn an lá inniu! – It’s a lovely day today!
2. Is breá liom an ceol seo! – I love this music!

This expanded guide provides foundational knowledge for navigating conversations in Ireland, complete with multiple examples across various categories. Familiarizing yourself with these phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience and demonstrate respect for Irish culture. Enjoy your journey through this beautiful country where language and tradition intertwine seamlessly!

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