le grá
/lʲe ɡɾˠɑː/word by word
The English phrase "with love" is translated into Irish as le grá.
le grá is a common sign-off used at the end of cards, letters or short text messages to express affection for the recipient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition le, meaning "with" and the noun grá, meaning "love".
How does it change in a sentence?
grá is a masculine noun. However, because it follows the preposition le, the form of the phrase does not change.
How do you pronounce it?
/lʲe ɡɾˠɑː/
Did you know?
- The word le is etymologically related to the Latin word 'versus', which means 'against', because both derive from roots meaning 'to turn' or 'to face'.
- The word grá is used in the phrase grá mo chroí, which translates literally to 'love of my heart'.
- In Irish culture, grá is used not only for romantic love but also for a deep passion for a hobby or the land.
Examples in context
- Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ort le grá.St. Patrick's Day greetings to you with love.
- Le grá, a mhamá.With love, Mum.
Example conversation
Saoirse is writing a birthday card for Cathal.
- SaoirseAn bhfuil an cárta réidh, a Chathail?Is the card ready, Cathal?
- CathalTá, ach cad a scríobh tú ag an críoch?Yes, but what did you write at the end?
- SaoirseScríobh mé "le grá" don t-aon.I wrote "with love" for the person.
- CathalGo hiontach, a Saoirse.Wonderful, Saoirse.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (le, grá) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grá, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
