tá mé go maith
The English phrase "I am good" is translated into Irish as tá mé go maith.
This phrase is used to express that you are feeling well or are in a good state. It is the standard way to respond to the question Conas atá tú? (How are you?).
Which one should you use?
While tá mé go maith refers to your state of being (meaning "I am well"), you might use the informal expression Tá mé ar fheabhas. to say "I am excellent."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tá mé go maith, the word maith is an adjective meaning "good", but when it is preceded by the particle go, it functions as an adverb meaning "well".
When do people say it?
When you respond with tá mé go maith, a common way to follow up is to ask Agus tú féin? (And yourself?) to return the question to the other person.
Did you know?
- The particle go in this phrase is actually a tiny relative of the English word 'gain', both descending from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'with' or 'along'.
- While tá mé go maith is the standard answer, an Irish speaker might avoid this phrase entirely and respond with a phrase about their spirit or heart to show deeper emotion.
Example conversation
Conor and Aoife meet on the street.
- ConorDia duit, Aoife! Conas atá tú?Hello, Aoife! How are you?
- AoifeDia duit, Conor. Tá mé go maith.Hello, Conor. I am good.
- ConorAn bhfuil tú sásta leis an lá?Are you happy with the day?
- AoifeTá, tá an lá go hiontach!Yes, the day is wonderful!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries go, maith, mé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
