an-mhaith
an-mhaith is the Irish way to say very good.
This phrase is used to describe something of high quality or a high level of skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix an- acts as an intensifier meaning 'very' when it is attached to certain adjectives, such as in an-mhaith.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form an-mhaith can be used as an adverbial phrase to mean 'very well' or 'very good' in a general sense.
Did you know?
- In some Irish dialects, the phrase an-mhaith can be used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite, much like the English 'just great'.
- In spoken Irish, the 'mh' in an-mhaith is not pronounced like an 'm' sound. It often sounds more like a 'v' or a 'w' depending on the local dialect.
- Irish has several ways to say 'very', but an- is specifically reserved for a small group of adjectives, meaning you cannot use it with every adjective in the language.
Examples in context
- Bhí an bia go hiontach ar fad!The food was absolutely excellent!
- Bhí an t-eolas an-mhaith.The information was very good.
- Tá an obair sin an-mhaith.That work is very good.
Example conversation
Siobhán and Conor are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SiobhánAn raibh an scannán maith?Was the movie good?
- ConorBa é an-mhaith, go a Siobhán.It was very good, Siobhán.
- SiobhánAn raibh an scéal suimiúil?Was the story interesting?
- ConorBaa, baa an-mhaith é.Yes, it was very good.
