grá mór
/ɡɾˠɑː mˠuəɾˠ/word by word
The Irish phrase for "lots of love" is grá mór.
grá mór is a warm closing used in a letter or message to show affection for the recipient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun grá (love) and the adjective mór (big/great).
Which one should you use?
While "lots of love" in English implies quantity, grá mór literally translates to "great love", emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective mór follows the noun grá as is standard in Irish grammar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾˠɑː mˠuəɾˠ/
Did you know?
- The word mór was used in Ancient Greek as -mōros to describe someone 'great in spear-throwing'.
- In traditional Irish poetry, love is often expressed through complex metaphors involving nature rather than direct phrases like grá mór.
- Irish has several distinct words for 'love' depending on the relationship, but grá is the most versatile term for both romantic and familial affection.
Examples in context
- Grá mór leat.Lots of love to you.
- Slán agus grá mór.Bye and lots of love.
Example conversation
Cian and Niamh are texting each other to say goodbye.
- CianTáim ag dul nimh anois, a Niamh.I am going now, Niamh.
- NiamhGo raibh an turas go maith agat!Have a good trip!
- CianGo raibh, grá mór!Thanks, lots of love!
- NiamhGrá mór chugat, a Chian.Lots of love to you, Cian.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (grá, mór) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grá, mór, CC BY-SA 4.0.
