go raibh míle maith agat
The English phrase "thank you very much" is expressed in Gaelic as go raibh míle maith agat.
This phrase is used to express a greater level of gratitude than a simple "thank you".
Meaning: greater gratitude than "thank you" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression go raibh míle maith agat literally translates to "may a thousand goodness be at you".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person to say "thank you very much", you should change the ending of the phrase to go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Did you know?
- In Gaelic, gratitude is not expressed as something the speaker feels, but as a wish for 'goodness' to be present with the recipient.
- The word míle meaning 'thousand' is so ingrained in Gaelic expressions of abundance that it is used in greetings too, such as Céad Míle Fáilte which means 'a hundred thousand welcomes'.
- The verb 'go raibh' is in the subjunctive mood, which acts like a gentle wish or a prayer that 'goodness' might be upon the recipient.
Examples in context
- Go raibh míle maith agat as an obair seo.Thank you very much for this work.
- Go raibh míle maith agat as an t-eolas.Thank you very much for the information.
Example conversation
Finlay gives Catriona a thoughtful birthday gift.
- CatrionaGo raibh míle maith agat, a Finlaigh!Thank you very much, Finlay!
- FinlayTá fáilte romhat, a Chaitríona.You are welcome, Catriona.
- CatrionaIs é an bronn sársaol é.It is a wonderful gift.
- FinlayTá mé gleo sáile go bhfuil tú sásta.I am very glad that you are happy.
