sásta
/ˈsˠɑːsˠt̪ˠə/
The Irish word for happy is sásta.
The word sásta describes a state of being contented or satisfied with a situation. While it can be used to mean joyous, it specifically captures the feeling of being contented or satisfied.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Which one should you use?
sásta is best used when you mean someone is contented or satisfied. In contrast, áthasach is used for a more intense, outward expression of joy. Other forms like sona also mean happy. For example, Tá sibh sona means "You are happy (plural/formal)" and the informal phrase Táim (or tá mé) chomh sona leat means "I am as happy as you".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Connemara, the word lúcháireach may be used to mean happy or joyful.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sásta is used for masculine or neuter subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsˠɑːsˠt̪ˠə/
Did you know?
- The root of sásta is related to the verb sásaigh, which historically meant to 'assuage an appetite' or to 'feed'.
- The word sona can mean 'happy' but it also means 'lucky'. This creates a linguistic link between being joyful and having good fortune.
- The word sona is often used in traditional Irish blessings to wish someone a 'happy' or 'blessed' life.
Examples in context
- Bhí mé sásta sin.I was so happy.This sentence shows the use of sásta to express a past state of being.Tatoeba #4445005 by HedefTuran, translation #2044390 by CK
- Chuaigh Máire a luí go sásta.Mary went to sleep happy.This sentence demonstrates how sásta describes the manner in which Mary went to sleep.Tatoeba #10317096 by koala, translation #7927556 by Hybrid
- Tá grá agus sonas againnWe have love and happiness
- Tá an buachaill sásta anois.The boy is happy now.
Example conversation
Aoife and Conor are talking about a new job.
- AoifeAn bhfuil tú sásta leis an obair?Are you happy with the work?
- ConorTá, tá mé an-sásta anois.Yes, I am very happy now.
- AoifeIs iontach sin, a Chonaire!That is wonderful, Conor!
- ConorGo raibh go raibh maith agat, a Aoife.Thank you, Aoife.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sásta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sásta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
