Do you want to learn how to say I love you in Irish?
Irish is one of the few languages in the world that has a rich history and accurately portrays Irish culture. The language, often known as Erse or Gaelic, is one of the national languages of Ireland. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic peoples of Europe and the 5th century ogham inscriptions.
The Irish language, unlike other languages, is actually somewhat intricate in the sense that there are a variety of different translations for a single expression. However, even though it is difficult to learn, Irish Gaelic is a beautiful and poetic language. Furthermore, if your significant other has Irish ancestors or a strong affinity for Ireland, it would most likely impress them if you learn how to say I love you in Irish.
Things you'll find in this article
10 Ways To Say I Love You In Irish
The Standard I Love You in Irish
There are a variety of ways to say I love you in Irish, but one of the most common and romantic expressions is the phrase tá mé I ngrá leat. Let’s look at each word that makes up this beautiful declarati and get to know them individually.
1. Tá grá agam duit
Pronunciation: (roughly) Tah grah UH-gum ditch
Meaning: This phrase literally means “There love I you,” however, Irish speakers will interpret it as “I love you.”
● tá
Pronunciation: tah” (rhymes with the English word “saw”).
Meaning: tá means “there” or “yes.”
● grá
Pronunciation: grah (rhymes with the English word “raw”).
Meaning: grá means “love”
grá is sometimes spelled as “ghrá” but the same pronunciation.
● agam
Pronunciation: UH-gum
Make sure to emphasize the first syllable here. It will be difficult for the local Irish to comprehend you if you reverse the stresses.
Meaning: agam means “I”
● duit
Pronunciation: same as the English word “ditch.” It has a short “I” sound (Like “hit”) and a ch sound (like “cheese”).
Meaning: duit means “you”
Still, this isn’t always how “I love you” is commonly expressed in many Irish-speaking parts of Ireland. You’ll find more ways to express your feelings for someone in the phrases listed below.
Other Ways To Say “I Love You” in Irish
2. Mo grá thú
Pronunciation: mow grah hoo
The first word rhymes with the term “bow.” While “th” should sound like an owl’s call.
Meaning: This literally means “my love you,” however the connotation is essentially “I love you.”
3. Gráim thú
Pronunciation: GRAH-im hoo
Gráim here has two syllables, even if it appears to just have one. Another interesting detail is that the first syllable is stressed rather than the second.
Meaning: This is a shorter, easier to pronounce and remember version of “Mo grá thú,” The meaning is about the same.
4. Is breá liom tú
Pronunciation: Iss brah lum too
This one has a hard s sound (like “pass”) for the first word. Then “breá” here sounds like “saw” and the next word rhymes with “drum”.
Meaning: this phrase translates to “I love you”
5. Táim i ngrá leat
Pronunciation: tame ee n-graw leat (Leat here sounds like “eat”)
Meaning: This one means ‘I am in love with you.’
6. Is aoibhinn liom tú
Pronunciation: Iss even lum too
Here, breá from the phrase above is replaced with “aoibhinn.” Despite its appearance, this term is pronounced nearly identically to the English word “even.”
Meaning: While this phrase means “I love you,” the actual translation is “you delight me.” The meaning is more affectionate than romantic. This phrase can also be used to refer to objects.
7. Tá mo chroí istigh ionat
Pronunciation: taw moh kree ish-tig un-at
Meaning: This super sweet phrase literally means ‘my heart is in you’ but in Irish it is understood similar to “you are very dear to my heart.”
8. Is tú mo chuisle
Pronunciation: too moh coosh-lah
Meaning: Another phrase that mentions a body part, this means ‘you are my pulse’.
9. Is tú mo ghrá
Pronunciation: Is too moh graw
Meaning: This phrase means “you are my love”
10. Tá grá agam duit
Pronunciation: taw graw agum dweet
Meaning: The precise meaning of this expression is ‘I have love for you.’
Want to learn more Irish phrases? Check out our language guides below:
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.