How To: Say seven key Gaelic phrases

The best way to win friends over in a foreign country is by breaking the ice and showing your enthusiasm with your best effort at their language. Practice your Gaelic for travel or just for fun with friends.

Whether you're going to Ireland or want to impress someone from the Old Sod, these words will come in handy. The trick is to master the pronunciation!

You Will Need

* Good memory
* Practice

Step 1: Say hello

Give everyone you meet a pleasant, "Dia duit!" which means, "Good day!"

Step 2: Exchange pleasantries

Respond to a greeting of "Dia duit," with "Dia is Muire duit," which means "God and Mary to you."

Step 3: Be polite

Be polite by knowing how to say please – "le d'thoil" – and "thank you" – "go raibh maith agat."

Step 4: Know how to say "yes" and "no"

Know how to say "yes" – ta – and "no" – nil.

Step 5: Say "Cheers!"

Know how to say "Cheers!" in a pub; the word is "Slainte!"

To add good health wishes to your toast, say: "Slainte chugat."

Step 6: Say goodbye

Bid someone farewell with "slan."

Step 7: Know where the action is

If someone mentions "craic agus ceol," put on your dancing shoes: It refers to Irish nightlife involving music.

The Irish alphabet, a variant of the Roman alphabet that developed in the 8th century CE, only has 18 letters.