Question Words

1. Cad?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   "Céard?" is an equally common variant

2. Cá?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

   Grammar Note

   Asks for a place; with a verb it becomes "Cá bhfuil...?"

3. Cathain?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Cé?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Cén fáth?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

   Grammar Note

   Literally "for what reason"

6. Conas?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Cé mhéad?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   The same phrase covers both count and amount

8. Cé mhéad atá air?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Cé acu?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Cad é seo?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Cá bhfuil an leithreas?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Leithreas" is the standard word; signs read "Fir" (men) and "Mná" (women)

12. Cén t-am é?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

    Grammar Note

    Nouns beginning with a vowel take "t-" after the article

13. An bhfuil sé agat?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    The possessive construction as a question: "An bhfuil léarscáil agat?"

14. An féidir?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. An gcaithfidh mé íoc?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. An bhfuil sé saor in aisce?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

    Grammar Note

    "Saor in aisce" means free of charge; "saor" alone means cheap or free

17. An bhfuil sé sin ceart go leor?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. Nach bhfuil sé sin ceadaithe?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

19. An bhfuil tú ceart go leor?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing — a different role from asking permission

20. An fíor é sin?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. An bhfuil tú cinnte?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Pressing for confirmation of a fact — more formal than the quick surprise check

22. Cad as duit?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

23. Cad is ainm duit?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

24. Cén aois thú?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking a stranger's age directly, especially a woman's, can feel intrusive — best kept to close friends or children

25. An féidir linn grianghraf a thógáil le chéile?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    For asking permission

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