go dté tú slán
The English phrase "have a safe trip" is translated into Irish as go dté tú slán.
This phrase is used to wish someone a safe journey when they are leaving.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, go dté tú slán translates to "may you come safely".
Which one should you use?
While slán agat is a general way to say "goodbye", go dté tú slán specifically wishes the person a safe arrival or journey.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person, change tú to sibh to form go dté sibh slán.
Did you know?
- While go dté tú slán wishes for a safe journey, it is also used in more permanent contexts, such as when someone is leaving a community forever or passing away.
- The word slán shares a common ancestor with the English word 'whole', linking the concept of travel safety to the idea of completeness.
- The phrase go dté tú slán uses a subjunctive mood to express a wish or a prayer, rather than a simple statement of fact.
Examples in context
- Go dté tú slán.Have a safe trip.
- Go dté tú slán abhaile.Have a safe trip home.
- Go dté tú slán ar do thuras.Have a safe trip on your journey.
Example conversation
Conor is seeing Niamh off at the airport.
- ConorTá an planeád ag fanacht orm.The plane is waiting for me.
- NiamhGo dté tú slán, a Niamh!Have a safe trip, Niamh!
- ConorGo raibh milleadh agat, a Chonaire.Thank you, Conor.
- NiamhFeicfidh mé tú go sos.I will see you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries go, slán, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
