is maith liom thú
The Irish phrase for "I like you" is is maith liom thú.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, is maith liom thú translates to "is good with me you".
Which one should you use?
Is breá liom thú is a stronger expression of liking or affection than is maith liom thú, used to say "I love you" or "I like you very much". To add emphasis to the person you are liking, you can use the form is maith liom tusa. This is similar to saying "It is YOU that I like" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you wish to place more stress on the person being liked, you can use the emphatic form tusa instead of thú, resulting in is maith liom tusa.
Did you know?
- The word is in this phrase is a copula, a special type of verb used specifically for identifying or classifying things, rather than describing their state.
- The phrase is maith liom thú uses a prepositional pronoun liom instead of a direct object. This structure is used for liking everything from people to food and hobbies.
- The word maith is a cognate with the Welsh and Breton word mad, meaning 'good'.
Examples in context
- Is maith liom tú.I like you.
- Níl a fhios agam an is maith liom thú.I don't know if I like you.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cian are talking about their feelings.
- NiamhCian, is maith liom thú.Cian, I like you.
- CianIs maith liom thú freisin, a Niamh.I like you too, Niamh.
- NiamhAn bhfuil tú sásta?Are you happy?
- CianTá mé an-sásta!I am very happy!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries is, liom, maith, thú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
