meas a bheith ar
The Irish way to say 'appreciate' is meas a bheith ar.
In Irish, the concept of 'appreciating' something is expressed as 'having respect for' it rather than using a single specific verb for gratitude.
Meaning: to be grateful for something (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built around the noun meas, which means 'respect' or 'esteem'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ulster dialect, Tapaidh leat is used as an alternative way to say 'thank you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase meas a bheith ar functions as a verbal idiom. The part a bheith ar (to be on) is used to indicate the state of possessing that respect.
When do people say it?
When expressing gratitude, speakers may use different levels of formality. For example, Gabhaim buíochas duit provides a more formal way to convey thanks and in Ulster, one might hear Tapaidh leat to say thank you.
Did you know?
Example conversation
Conor thanks Saoirse for bringing him lunch.
- ConorGo raibh maith agat as an lón, a Saoirse.Thank you for the lunch, Saoirse.
- SaoirseNí raibh tú ag caint, tá sé go hiontach!No problem, it's great!
- ConorTá meas a bheith ar do chuid cineáltais.I appreciate your kindness.
- SaoirseTá fáilte romhat i gcónaí, a Chonaire.You are always welcome, Conor.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ar, meas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
