Get inspired by these Irish language proverbs during Seachtain na Gaeilge, the biggest Irish language festival in the world.
As Irish is one of the oldest languages in the world, it has many sayings that have lasted through the decades.
As Gaeilge (or, in Irish) these phrases are called ‘Seanfhocail,' which literally translates to 'old words,' but generally means traditional Irish proverbs.
Seanfhocail are a unique part of the Irish language, and really showcase the beauty of the language. They carry the wisdom, wit, and values of the Irish people, and offer sound advice in a pretty poetic way. They often feel lyrical, reflecting the musicality of the Irish language itself, and use themes of nature and history.
If you are looking for a way to incorporate more Irish into your daily life - especially during Seachtain na Gaeilge - or can just appreciate some timeless wisdom, give these 11 seanfhocail a try!
“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine"
Meaning: People live in each other's shadows / We all rely on one another
Pronunciation: "Air skaw ah khay-leh ah vor-en nah dee-nah"
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"Bíonn siúlach scéalach"
Meaning: 'A walk is a story' / He who travels has tales to tell
Pronunciation: Bee-on shoo-lokh shkay-lokh
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"Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile"
Meaning: One beetle recognizes another / Takes one to know one
Pronunciation: Ah-nee-un keer-ogue keer-ogue ella
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"An lao ite i mbolg na bó"
Meaning: Don't count your chickens before they're hatched
(Ireland's Content Pool)
"Bíonn súil leis an bhfarraige"
Meaning: There's hope with the sea / Hope springs eternal
Pronunciation: Bee-un sool lesh on var-igga
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"Níl uasal ná íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal"
Meaning: There is no noble or lowly, but up for a while and down for a while / This too shall pass
Pronunciation: Neel oos-sull naw ee-shull okh hoo-us shall uggus hees shall
(Ireland's Content Pool)
"Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí"
Meaning: Praise the youth and they will flourish
Pronunciation: Mull on oh-igga uggus chuck-ig she
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"Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam"
Meaning: A country without a language, a country without a soul
Pronunciation: Cheer gon chong-gah, cheer gon on-om
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"Níl bua gan dua"
Meaning: There is no victory without hardship / No pain no gain
Pronunciation: neel boo-ah gonn doo-ah/
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"Tús maith leath na hoibre"
Meaning: A good start is half the work / half the battle
Pronunciation: Toos mah lyah nuh hibbre
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"An té nach bhfuil láidir ní foláir dó a bheith glic"
Meaning: He who is not strong has to be clever
Pronunciation: On tay nokh wil law-ider, nee ful-ore doh ah veh gl-ick
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