go n-éirí leat
The English phrase 'best of luck' is expressed in Irish as go n-éirí leat.
This phrase is used to wish someone success in a future endeavor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'may it succeed with you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish or desire. You can change the pronoun to adapt the wish to different people: use go n-éirí linn to say 'may it succeed with us' when a group is embarking on a task, or use go n-éirí leo to say 'may it succeed with them' when wishing luck to a group of other people.
Did you know?
- While go n-éirí leat expresses a wish for success, the verb éirigh also means 'to rise' or 'to stand up'. Wishing someone luck is linguistically tied to the idea of rising.
- The word go in this expression is a distant relative of the Spanish word con and the Russian word ко, as all three share a root meaning 'with'.
- While English speakers use the word 'luck' to wish someone well, you will notice that the Irish phrase go n-éirí leat contains no word for 'luck' at all.
Examples in context
- Go n-éirí leat sa scrúdú.Best of luck in the exam.
- Go n-éirí leat ar an turas!Best of luck on the trip!
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cathal are saying goodbye at a train station.
- SiobhánGo n-éirí leat sa thuras nua, Cathal.Best of luck on the new journey, Cathal.
- CathalGo raibh maith agat, Siobhán.Thank you, Siobhán.
- SiobhánSlán agat!Goodbye!
- CathalSlán leat!Goodbye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries go, CC BY-SA 4.0.
