sár-obair
sár-obair is the Irish way to say great job.
sár-obair is used to express that someone has done excellent work. While this term describes the quality of the work itself, other phrases like Maith thú! can be used in an informal setting as a general way to express praise and Go hiontach! means 'excellent' or 'great' and can be used casually among friends.
Meaning: well done, congrats! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
sár-obair is a compound of sár (excellent/super) and obair (work).
Did you know?
- The word obair shares a root with the English word 'operate', as both derive from the Latin 'opus' meaning 'work'.
- The adjective sár is so potent that it can be applied to abstract concepts, such as sár-phian for 'extreme pain', showing that it intensifies both positive and negative states.
- While sár-obair praises the result, the phrase Maith thú! literally means 'Good you!', treating the person themselves as the quality of the achievement.
Examples in context
- Maith thú ar an obair den scoth!Well done on the excellent work!
- Go hiontach, a dheartháir! Rinne tú an-obair.Excellent, brother! You did a great job.
- Maith thú! Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat!Good job! Best of luck!
Example conversation
Aoife is praising Oisín for finishing a difficult task.
- AoifeSár-obair, a Oisín!Great job, Oisín!
- OisínGo raibh maith agat, a Aoife.Thank you, Aoife.
- AoifeBa é an obair sin an-deacair.That work was very difficult.
- OisínTá mé sásta go bhfuil sé críochnaithe.I am glad that it is finished.
