Is breá liom tú, a Dhaidí
The English phrase "I love you, dad" is expressed in Irish as Is breá liom tú, a Dhaidí.
This phrase is an expression of affection spoken directly to one's father.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Munster dialect, you can say Tá grá agam duit, a athair. In the Ulster dialect, the phrase is Tá mo chroí istigh ionat, a athair.
How does it change in a sentence?
This is known as the vocative case.
Did you know?
- The Munster expression Tá grá agam duit translates literally as 'love is at me for you'.
- In the phrase Is breá liom tú, the word breá does not mean 'love', but rather 'pleasant' or 'excellent'. The literal construction is closer to 'you are delightful to me'.
- The word tú, meaning 'you', shares a common ancestor with the English word 'thou' and the Latin 'tu'.
Example conversation
Cian is saying goodbye to his father before school.
- CianIs breá liom tú, a Dhaidí.I love you, dad.
- SaoirseIs breá liom tú freisin, a chailín.I love you too, my girl.
- CianFeicfidh mé tú níos déanaí!I will see you later!
- SaoirseSlán go bogadh, a stór.Goodbye for now, darling.
