dia duit, is mise
The Irish phrase for "hi, my name is" is dia duit, is mise.
This phrase is used as a greeting when you are introducing yourself to someone for the first time.
Which one should you use?
If you are introducing yourself to more than one person, use dia daoibh, is mise instead of dia duit, is mise.
Did you know?
- Although dia duit is used as a standard hello, it literally translates to 'a God to you'.
- In Irish, the phrase is mise uses a specific form of the verb 'to be' called the copula, which is used for permanent identities rather than temporary states.
- The Irish word dia is related to the Old English name Tīw, the Germanic god of heroic glory.
Examples in context
- Dia duit, is mise Liam.Hi, my name is Liam.
- Dia duit, is mise Siobhán.Hi, my name is Siobhán.
Example conversation
Cian and Niamh meet for the first time at a party.
- CianDia duit, is mise Cian.Hi, my name is Cian.
- NiamhDia duit, Cian. Is mise Niamh.Hi, Cian. My name is Niamh.
- CianAr mór an-mór dom duit, a Niamh.It is very nice to meet you, Niamh.
- NiamhIs iontach liomsa freis.It is wonderful for me too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dia, duit, is, mise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
