go hálainn
The English word "lovely" is translated into Irish as go hálainn.
This phrase is used to describe something that is beautiful, charming or very pleasing in its appearance, tone or manner. In many contexts, it functions as an intensifier meaning "very beautiful".
Meaning: beautiful, charming, very pleasing in form, looks, tone, or manner (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The base adjective álainn is used when describing a noun directly. In contrast, the form go hálainn is used to state that something "is lovely".
Did you know?
- The phrase go hálainn is often used by native speakers to describe a person's handwriting as 'lovely' or neat.
- In Irish, the concept of beauty is often linked to 'light' and 'brightness', meaning álainn can imply a radiant or glowing quality.
- The particle go in go hálainn is a cognate of the Spanish word con, meaning 'with'.
Examples in context
- Tá an lá deas inniu.The day is lovely today.
- Tá do chulaith go hálainn ort.Your suit looks lovely on you.
- An-spéisiúil agus álainn atá an pictiúr sin.That picture is very interesting and lovely.
- Tá tú álainn inniu.You look lovely today.
- Tá an aimsir breá inniu.The weather is lovely today.
Example conversation
Cian and Aoife are looking at a garden.
- Ciancrops go hálainn an gairdín seo, a Aoife.This garden is lovely, Aoife.
- AoifeTá, tá na bláthanna go hálainn.Yes, the flowers are lovely.
- CianAn bhfuil tú sásta leis?Are you happy with it?
- AoifeTá, tá sé go hálainn an uair seo.Yes, it is lovely at this time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries go, CC BY-SA 4.0.
