Say it with love. Say it in Irish.
Show your love this Valentine’s Day with our favorite romantic Irish phrases. Take inspiration from our guide to impress and delight your sweetheart!
MO GHRÁ THU
Pronounced: Muh Graw Hu
Meaning “You are My Love,” this phrase is the most direct Irish translation for “I love you.”
MO STÓR
Pronounced: Muh Store
Literally translating to “My treasure,” this phrase is often used to mean “my darling.” Notably, these words were famously featured in the celebrated Irish folk song “A Stór Mo Chroí” (Treasure of My Heart). Originally composed by Brian O’Higgins (1882–1963) during the height of Irish emigration, this romantic air soon gained popularity as an emigration anthem. Consequently, the song captured the emotions of many who left their homeland, making it a cherished piece in Irish cultural history.
CROÍ ÁLAINN
Pronounced: Kree Awh-ling
This charming phrase means “Beautiful Heart.” This truly beautiful sentiment has inspired a range of timeless pieces from jewelry-maker, Sabine Lenz at Enibas, which is now available online at Blarney.
ANAM CARA
Pronounced: Man-em Kaw-rah
Coined in 1997 by the Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donoghue, Anam Cara is a relatively new term. It means ‘soul friend’, or ‘Soulmate’. Anam is Gaelic for ‘soul’, and cara is Gaelic for ‘friend’. The phrase comes from the Celtic belief that souls can be connected spiritually, and can create a strong bond. Anam cara can be used to describe a friendship and a love between family, friends and partners.
Learn More About the Anam Cara Philosophy
TÁ MO CHROÍ ISTIGH IONAT
Pronounced: Taw Muh Kree Ish-tig un-at
Use this phrase on Valentine’s Day to make your loved one feel truly special. This literally translates into English as “My heart is in you” but a more accurate translation would be “Your heart is very dear to mine.”
TABHAIR PÓG DOM
Pronounced: Toor Pogue Dum
This Valentine’s Day, replace “Kiss Me, I’m Irish!” with “Kiss Me” in Irish! Purely practical, this phrase means “Give Me A Kiss.”
IS TÚ MO CHUISLE
Pronounced: Iss Too Muh Kweesh-la
This phrase, perfect for true lovebirds, means “You Are My Pulse.” Cuisle literally translates to “pulse” and is a popular term of endearment in Irish. Additionally, you could address your significant other as “A chuisle mo chroí” (pronounced ah coo-shil mu cree), which translates into English as “Pulse of my heart.”
AR MIAN LEAT SIÚL AMACH LIOM?
Pronounced: Air Me-an Lat Sool Aw-mach Lum?
This phrase translates to “Would you like to go out with me?” Although it literally means “Would you like to walk out with me,” it remains a highly popular choice among amorous teens heading off to the Irish College for the summer. Interestingly, this phrase, with its charming and slightly old-fashioned wording, still resonates with young people, making it a timeless expression of affection.
GRÁ, DÍLSEACHT, CAIRDEAS
Pronounced: Graw Deal-shockt Char-dis
This is the Gaelic translation of the Claddagh’s motto—Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. These qualities are represented in the design of the ring itself, with the heart representing love, the crown signifying loyalty, and the hands symbolizing friendship.
Not surprisingly, these symbolic meanings make it easy to understand why the Claddagh is still such a popular and appropriate choice for a wedding ring. The deep-rooted significance of these values in Irish culture, coupled with the ring’s unique and meaningful design, continues to inspire couples to choose the Claddagh as a symbol of their commitment.
