HeyRuaHow to say “welcome” in Irish
- Irish:
- fáilte
- English:
- welcome, joy
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAWL-tchuh” /ˈfˠaːlʲtʲə/
- Plural:
- fáiltí (welcomes)
- Genitive singular:
- fáilte, na fáilte (e.g. lucht fáilte, welcoming party)
- Genitive plural:
- fáiltí, na bhfáiltí (e.g. cur na bhfáiltí, the extending of welcomes)
What does “fáilte” mean?
“Fáilte” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- welcome
- A friendly greeting or reception given to someone who arrives.Also: greeting, reception, hospitality.
1 other meaning: joy
- 2joy
- Gladness or delight, especially at someone's coming or at good news (literary).Also: delight, gladness.
Other Irish words for welcome: fáiltigh (welcome), aíocht (hospitality), fáilteachas (hospitality), fáiltiú (welcoming)
“Fáilte” with the article
The plural of welcome in Irish is fáiltí. Here is fáilte after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Fáilte” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fáilte, the Irish word for welcome.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “fáilte”
Welcome in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for welcome?
The Irish for welcome is fáilte (pronounced “FAWL-tchuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fáiltí. Depending on context it can also mean joy.
How do you pronounce fáilte in Irish?
Fáilte is said like “FAWL-tchuh” (IPA /ˈfˠaːlʲtʲə/).
What is the plural of welcome in Irish?
The plural of fáilte is fáiltí; with the article, na fáiltí means “the welcomes”. The genitive plural is fáiltí, as in cur na bhfáiltí (the extending of welcomes).
Does fáilte have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fáilte can mean welcome or joy, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fáilte change to fháilte or bhfáilte?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fáilte becomes m'fháilte (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfáilte (eclipsis).
How do I say 'you're welcome' in reply to thanks?
'Tá fáilte romhat' is used, though many speakers prefer 'Go ndéanaí a mhaith duit' or 'Ná habair é' as a reply to thanks.
Which preposition goes with fáilte?
Use 'roimh': 'cuir fáilte roimh dhuine' means to welcome someone, and 'fáilte go' for a place, as in 'Fáilte go hÉirinn'.
