le gach dea-ghuí
The English phrase "kind regards" can be translated into Irish as le gach dea-ghuí.
le gach dea-ghuí is used as a polite closing for a letter.
Meaning: polite closing of a letter (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into le (with), gach (every) and dea-ghuí (good wish).
Which one should you use?
While le gach dea-ghuí translates to "with every good wish", you may also use Le meas, which translates to "with respect".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dea-ghuí is a compound noun.
Did you know?
- In Irish, the word meas in Le meas is used for 'respect', but it is also the word for 'weight'.
- The word le shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Latin word 'versus', which means 'against' or 'towards'.
- The prefix dea- in dea-ghuí is used to create compound words meaning 'good', similar to how 'bene-' is used in Latin-based English words like 'beneficial'.
Examples in context
- Is mise le meas, [Your Name]I am, with kind regards, [Your Name]
Example conversation
Niamh is asking Conor how to finish a formal email.
- NiamhConor, an bhfuil 'le gach dea-ghuí' oiriúnach anseo?Conor, is 'kind regards' appropriate here?
- ConorTá, tá sé an-fhoirmiúil don litir.Yes, it is very formal for the letter.
- NiamhMaith leat, déanfaidh mé é sin a úsáid.Thanks, I will use that.
- ConorNá déan aon chúram, a Niamh.No problem, Niamh.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gach, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
