go hiontach
The English phrase 'great' is translated into Irish as go hiontach.
go hiontach is used to mean 'very good' or to express the exclamation 'great!' as an interjection.
Meaning: very good (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The core adjective is iontach, meaning 'great' or 'wonderful'.
Did you know?
- The component go is a cognate with the Spanish word con and the German prefix ge-, all stemming from a root meaning 'with' or 'along'.
- The word iontach shares a root with words describing a sense of awe or wonder, making it a stronger compliment than a simple 'good'.
- While go hiontach means 'great', Irish uses the word mór to describe something that is physically 'great' in size, rather than quality.
Examples in context
- Is maith liom an scannán sin. Tá sé iontach!I like that movie. It's great!
- Bhí an damhsa go hiontach aréir!The dance was great last night!
- Chuala mé an scéal nua. Bhí sé ar fheabhas!I heard the news. It was great!
- Go hiontach an lá é.It is a great day.
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are discussing a new movie.
- CathalAn raibh an scannán sin go hiontach?Was that movie great?
- SiobhánBa é go hiontach, a Chathail!It was great, Cathal!
- CathalAn raibh an ceol go hiontach freisin?Was the music great too?
- SiobhánBa é go hiontach go deo.It was absolutely great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries go, CC BY-SA 4.0.
