laethanta saoire sona dhuit
singular
The English phrase 'happy holidays' is translated into Irish as laethanta saoire sona dhuit. Wiktionary also lists laethanta saoire sona daoibh.
Meaning: holiday greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Irish | Note |
|---|---|
| laethanta saoire sona dhuit | singular |
| laethanta saoire sona daoibh | plural |
This phrase is used as a holiday greeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase laethanta saoire sona dhuit literally translates to 'happy holidays to you', where sona means 'happy'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on how many people you are addressing: use laethanta saoire sona dhuit when speaking to one person and laethanta saoire sona daoibh when speaking to more than one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person, the word dhuit is used to mean 'to you (singular)'.
Did you know?
- The word saor (the root of saoire) can also mean 'cheap' or 'inexpensive' in certain modern contexts, much like the English word 'free'.
- The plural form daoibh is used not only for groups but also as a formal way to address a single person.
- In traditional Irish culture, the concept of saoire historically referred to specific days of communal feast and rest.
Examples in context
- Laethanta saoire sona duit, MaryHappy holidays, Mary
- Beannachtaí na Féile ort, JohnBlessings of the season on you, John
Example conversation
Niamh and Cian are saying goodbye before the winter break.
- NiamhLaethanta saoire sona dhuit, a Chian!Happy holidays to you, Cian!
- CianGo raibh mille gabháil, a Niamh!Thank you very much, Niamh!
- NiamhAn bhfuil tú ag dul abhaile?Are you going home?
- CianTá, agus laethanta saoire sona dhuit chudóir!Yes, and a very happy holidays to you too!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy holidays” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
