Traveling with Kids

1. An bhfuil tú ceart go leor?

   un will too kyart guh lyore

   Are you alright? / Are you okay?

   Usage

   Checking on a child's wellbeing. "Ceart go leor" (right enough) means "okay/alright"

   Grammar Note

   "An bhfuil" is the interrogative form: "an" (question particle) + eclipsed "bhfuil" (f→bhf). "Ceart go leor" (right enough) corresponds to Hiberno-English "right enough/grand." A ubiquitous Irish expression.

2. Tá ocras orm

   taw UK-russ ORM

   I am hungry (hunger is on me)

   Usage

   A child expressing hunger. Demonstrates the basic Irish sensation expression pattern

   Grammar Note

   "Tá ocras orm" (hunger is on me) is a key early Irish phrase for children to learn. The "X is on me" pattern is introduced alongside "tá tart orm" (thirsty) as foundational Irish expressions.

3. Tá cluiche againn

   taw KLEE-heh AG-in

   We have a game / Let's play a game

   Usage

   Suggesting a game or play. "Cluiche" refers to a game or sports match

   Grammar Note

   "Cluiche" covers games, matches, and sports. In Gaelic games (GAA), "cluiche peil" (football match) and "cluiche iománaíochta" (hurling match) are central to Irish sporting culture.

4. Tá mé ag caoineadh

   taw may egg KEEN-ee

   I am crying

   Usage

   A child expressing they are crying. "Caoineadh" (keen/crying) is the root of the Irish mourning song tradition

   Grammar Note

   "Caoineadh" is the verbal noun of "caoineadh" (to cry/keen). The English word "keen" (a mourning wail) derives from this Irish word. "Caointeoireacht" (keening) is a famous Irish funeral tradition.

5. Tá mé ag dul ar scoil

   taw may egg dul er skull

   I am going to school

   Usage

   Saying you are going to school. Irish is a compulsory subject in all Irish schools

   Grammar Note

   "Ar scoil" is the Irish expression for "at/to school" — using "ar" (on/at) idiomatically. "Dul" is the verbal noun of the irregular verb "téigh" (to go). Irish is a compulsory Leaving Cert subject.

6. Inis scéal dom

   IN-ish SHKAYL dum

   Tell me a story

   Usage

   A child asking for a story. Reflects Ireland's strong oral tradition and storytelling culture

   Grammar Note

   "Scéal" (story/news/tale) is a core Irish word. Derivatives: "seanscéal" (old tale/folktale), "scéalaí" (storyteller). The Irish "seanchaí" (traditional storyteller) tradition is a cultural treasure.

7. Cén aois thú?

   kayn eesh hoo

   How old are you?

   Usage

   Asking a child's age. "Cén aois" (what age) is the standard way to ask "how old"

   Grammar Note

   "Cén aois thú?" literally means "what age are you?" "Cén" is the contraction of "cé an" (which/what). It is the standard way to ask someone's age; the answer uses "d'aois", e.g. "Tá mé deich mbliana d'aois" (I am ten years old).

8. Imreoidh muid le chéile

   IM-roh-ee mid leh KAY-leh

   We will play together

   Usage

   Inviting children to play together

   Grammar Note

   Irish future tense adds "-(e)oidh/-fidh" to the verb root: "imir (play) → imreoidh (will play)." "Le chéile" (together) = "le (with) + a chéile (each other)" — a common Irish reciprocal expression.

9. Is maith liom súgradh

   iss mah lyum SOO-gruh

   I like playing

   Usage

   Expressing enjoyment of play. "Súgradh" means "play / playfulness / fun"

   Grammar Note

   "Is maith liom" (it is good with me) uses the copula "is" for permanent preferences. Scale: "is maith liom" (I like), "is fearr liom" (I prefer), "is breá liom" (I love). Copula vs. "tá" is a key Irish grammar distinction.

10. Cad is ainm duit?

    kawd iss AN-im ditch

    What is your name?

    Usage

    Asking a child's name. One of the first phrases taught in Irish language classes

    Grammar Note

    "Cad is ainm duit?" (what is your name, literally: what is the name to you) uses the copula "is" for identification. Answer: "Is mise Seán" (I am Seán). "Mise" is the emphatic/contrastive form of "mé."

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