gach rath
/ɡax ɾˠɑh/word by word
gach rath is the Irish way to say "all the best".
gach rath is used to wish someone good luck. While it can be used as a general wish for luck, it is most commonly used as a closing in letters or emails, similar to 'best regards' or 'all the best' in English.
Meaning: good luck (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡax ɾˠɑh/
Did you know?
- The Proto-Celtic ancestor of the phrase, *ɸratom, is a distant relative of the English word 'fruit', both relating to the idea of being productive or flourishing.
- Irish has several ways to wish luck, but rath specifically implies a prosperous or successful outcome, whereas ádh refers more to random chance or a 'stroke of luck'.
- While gach rath is common in writing, spoken Irish often uses the phrase go raibh rath ort, which literally asks that 'luck be upon you'.
Examples in context
- Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat!Good luck!
- Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!Best of luck!
- Gach rath duit sa scrúdú.All the best to you in the exam.
- Gach rath leis an turas nua.All the best with the new journey.
Example conversation
Conor is leaving for a job interview.
- ConorTá mé ag dul go dtí an t-agallamh anois.I am going to the interview now.
- NiamhGach rath ort, a Chonaire!All the best, Conor!
- ConorGo raibh míle maith agat, a Niamh.Thanks a million, Niamh.
- NiamhBeidh gach rud go hiontach.Everything will be great.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gach, rath) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gach, rath, CC BY-SA 4.0.
