deas bualadh leat
deas bualadh leat is how you say "nice to meet you" in Irish.
This is a polite expression used when meeting someone for the first time.
Did you know?
- The word bualadh translates to 'to strike' or 'to hit' in many other contexts. In this phrase, however, it refers to the act of meeting or encountering.
- The word deas shares a common ancestor with the Greek word dexiós and the English word 'dexterity'. Both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'right-hand'.
- In Irish, the word deas can also mean 'south'. This is because the south is the direction one faces when looking east, placing the south to the right.
Example conversation
Conor and Aoife are introduced by a mutual friend.
- ConorDia duit, Aoife. Is mise Conor.Hello, Aoife. I am Conor.
- AoifeDia duit, Conor. Deas bualadh leat!Hello, Conor. Nice to meet you!
- ConorGo raibh agat, deas bualadh leat féin.Thank you, nice to meet you too.
- AoifeAn bhfuil tú nua anseo?Are you new here?
