bíodh lá maith agat
To say "have a good day" in Irish, use bíodh lá maith agat.
This is a polite phrase used to wish someone well as you leave them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "may a good day be at you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bíodh is the subjunctive form of the verb bí (to be), used here to express a wish or a desire.
Did you know?
- Irish phrases like bíodh lá maith agat place the verb at the beginning of the sentence, following the VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) word order typical of the language.
- If you are staying and the other person is leaving, you might hear slán as a response, which literally means 'safe' or 'healthy'.
- In Ireland, the word maith is often used alone as an exclamation of praise, similar to saying 'Good!' or 'Well done!' in English.
Examples in context
- Slán agus bíodh lá maith agat!Goodbye and have a good day!
- Bíodh lá maith agat.Have a good day.
- Go n-éireodh leat agus bíodh lá maith agat.Good luck and have a good day.
Example conversation
Cathal is leaving a shop after talking to Siobhán.
- CathalGo raibh mille gach, a Siobhán.Thanks a million, Siobhán.
- SiobhánNí dhearbhadh, bíodh lá maith agat!No problem, have a good day!
- CathalGo raibh lá maith agat féin.Have a good day yourself.
- SiobhánSlán go siorthú!Goodbye for now!
