Go raibh maith agat
Word for wordMay there be good at you
What it meansThank you.
Approximate pronunciation guide
guh rev MAH AH-gut
Written for English speakers and editorial rather than sourced. It will get you close enough to be understood, and it is not a substitute for a native speaker. Recorded audio is planned; see About.
When to use it The everyday thank-you: to one person; the plural form changes the ending.
About this saying
Irish has no ancient single word for thanks; what it has is better, a blessing. Saying thank you in Irish is literally wishing that good may be at the person, subjunctive and all, which makes every small courtesy a miniature benediction.
Provenance
Where this wording comes from. We publish nothing we cannot point at.
- DictionaryForas na Gaeilge, Foclóir Nua Béarla–Gaeilge (New English-Irish Dictionary)s.v. cheers (sense: thanks), prints "go raibh maith agat"