Tráthnóna maith duit
Tráthnóna maith duit is the Irish phrase for good afternoon.
This phrase is used specifically as a greeting during the afternoon hours.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Afternoon good to you', where tráthnóna means afternoon, maith means good and duit means to you (singular).
Which one should you use?
Tráthnóna maith duit is used specifically for the afternoon, whereas the more common general greeting used at any time of day is Dia duit.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'good afternoon' to more than one person or to use a more formal or polite tone, change duit to daoibh to create Tráthnóna maith daoibh.
Did you know?
- The word tráthnóna actually derives from the Latin word for 'nones', a specific time of day in the Roman calendar. It literally means 'the time of the nones'.
- While Tráthnóna maith duit is a literal greeting, most Irish speakers prefer the general greeting Dia duit, which literally means 'God be with you'.
- In Irish, you do not say 'good afternoon' to the air, but specifically 'to you' using duit. This makes the greeting a direct social transaction.
Examples in context
- Tráthnóna maith duit, a chara.Good afternoon to you, friend.
- Tráthnóna maith duit, a mháthair.Good afternoon to you, mother.
- Tráthnóna maith duit, a bhean.Good afternoon to you, lady.
Example conversation
Siobhán meets Conor in a park during the afternoon.
- SiobhánTráthnóna maith duit, a Conor.Good afternoon to you, Conor.
- ConorTráthnóna maith duit freisin, a Siobhán.Good afternoon to you too, Siobhán.
- SiobhánConas atá tú?How are you?
- ConorTá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat.I am well, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duit, maith, tráthnóna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
