bíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat
To say 'have a nice weekend' in Irish, you use bíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat.
Bíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat is a polite phrase used to wish someone a pleasant time during the coming weekend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'may a nice weekend be at you'. The word bíodh means 'may/let there be', while deas means 'nice/pleasant'.
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. In this construction, the adjective deas (nice/pleasant) follows the noun phrase deireadh seachtaine (weekend).
Did you know?
- The word deas meaning 'nice' comes from the same root as the English word 'dexterous'. It originally referred to the 'right-hand side', which was associated with skill and correctness.
- The term deireadh seachtaine is a compound of 'end' and 'week', similar to the English 'weekend', but in older Irish texts, the concept of a seven-day week was introduced via Christianity.
- In Irish, the word deas can also describe a person who is physically attractive or a place that is tidy.
Examples in context
- Go n-éireodh le gach rud agus bíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat.Good luck with everything and have a nice weekend.
- Bíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat, a chara.Have a nice weekend, friend.
Example conversation
Siobhán and Oisín are leaving work on Friday.
- SiobhánSlán, a Oisín!Goodbye, Oisín!
- OisínSlán, a Siobhán!Goodbye, Siobhán!
- SiobhánBíodh deireadh seachtaine deas agat.Have a nice weekend.
- OisínGo raibh aníocht agat, agat freis!Thank you, you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agat, deas, deireadh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
